🔗 Share this article Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic vacancy The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is committed to seeing out his team's international campaign. Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's departure on Monday. The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town. The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier. "There have been any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Irish youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist. "This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is this week. "I have a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness." Background and Contractual Aspects Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his childhood support. "During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think all people has to go around and announce what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club." The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause. "Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless! "I approach this role like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I am here." The Welsh Coach's Situation The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales striker is minded to finish the current global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Glasgow position. Wales are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia. Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful European competition performance, should they fail to end up their group second place. Given his present position, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum. Important Highlights Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with the Scottish club The coach emphasizes dedication to Ipswich Town Wales' manager focused on international campaign Each managers connected with Celtic position The Welsh coach not free until after tournament qualifiers