🔗 Share this article Zero McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his squad's international campaign. Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on Monday. The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club McKenna referred to Celtic as "an enormous soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town. The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and led them 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 presently occupy 12th in England's second tier. "I have not had such conversations," the English capital native former Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list. "This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is this week. "I have a special position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar." Background and Contractual Details Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support. "During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive football club." McKenna agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause. "Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway! "I approach this role like I will remain Town's coach forever. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position." Bellamy's Situation Bellamy played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales striker is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job. The Welsh squad are presently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia. Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of making those, thanks to a productive European competition performance, should they not end up their group runners-up. Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest. Important Points Ipswich's manager refutes having talks with the Scottish club McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup qualification Both coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy The Welsh coach not free until post World Cup qualifiers