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Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.

McKenna's Position on Celtic

The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.

"There have been such discussions," the English capital native former Northern Ireland young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.

"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any part of my focus is currently.

"I possess a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Everything external hasn't reached my radar."

Background and Agreement Details

Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to go around and declare what they were, but of course it's a really big sports organization."

McKenna agreed to a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!

"I approach this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as long as I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

The former striker played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.

Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive European competition performance, even if they not end up their group runners-up.

Given his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Important Highlights

• Kieran McKenna refutes any talks with Celtic
• McKenna emphasizes dedication to his current club
• Craig Bellamy concentrated on international campaign
• Both coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy
• Bellamy not free until post tournament qualifiers