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Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.

The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club

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

The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy twelfth place in England's second tier.

"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.

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

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

Background and Agreement Aspects

Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.

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

The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.

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

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

Bellamy's Position

The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales striker is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Celtic job.

Wales are currently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.

Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful Nations League campaign, even if they fail to finish as Group J second place.

Given his present stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until following the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Points

• Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with the Scottish club
• McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
• Wales' manager focused on international qualification
• Both managers connected with Celtic position
• Bellamy unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers