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Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on Monday.

The Manager's Stance on Celtic

The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.

The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in the Championship.

"I have not had any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.

"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.

"I have a special position here at a special team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."

Context and Agreement Aspects

It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "I don't think everyone has to go around and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a really big football club."

McKenna agreed to a new multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!

"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as while I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh striker is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.

Wins over the minnows and their rivals in next month would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, due to a successful Nations League campaign, even if they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.

Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Highlights

• Ipswich's manager refutes having talks with Celtic
• The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
• Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
• Both managers connected with Celtic vacancy
• Bellamy unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers