🔗 Share this article No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy The Championship club's their manager declares he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign. Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week. The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club McKenna referred to Celtic as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side. The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship. "I have not had any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist. "It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is currently. "I have a unique position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my radar." Background and Contractual Aspects It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances. "Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive sports organization." McKenna agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his reported £5m release clause. "In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless! "I tackle this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I am here." The Welsh Coach's Position Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position. The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia. Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they fail to end up their group runners-up. Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum. Key Highlights Ipswich's manager denies any talks with the Scottish club McKenna stresses commitment to his current club Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign Both managers connected with the Glasgow position Bellamy not free until post World Cup qualifiers