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Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.

The Manager's Position on Celtic

The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.

The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, 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 such discussions," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is this week.

"I possess a special position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."

Context and Agreement Details

Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.

"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive football club."

McKenna signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!

"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as while I am here."

Bellamy's Situation

The former striker played for Celtic on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is minded to complete the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.

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

Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful European competition campaign, even if they not finish as their group runners-up.

Given his present stance, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the play-offs at the minimum.

Important Points

• Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club
• McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
• Wales' manager focused on World Cup campaign
• Each coaches connected with Celtic position
• The Welsh coach not free until after World Cup matches