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Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.

The Manager's Stance on Celtic

The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been such 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 part of my concentration is this week.

"I possess a special job here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."

Background and Contractual Details

It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."

The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "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 Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as long as I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Position

The former striker represented the Hoops 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 effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Celtic job.

Wales are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.

Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive Nations League performance, even if they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.

Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.

Key Highlights

• Ipswich's manager refutes any talks with Celtic
• The coach stresses dedication to his current club
• Craig Bellamy focused on international qualification
• Each managers linked with the Glasgow position
• Bellamy not free until after World Cup matches