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Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.

McKenna's Position on Celtic

McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.

The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.

"I have not had such discussions," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.

"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is this week.

"I have a special job here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."

Context and Contractual Aspects

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

"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."

The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!

"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

The former striker represented Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh striker is inclined to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.

Wins over the minnows and their rivals in next month would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition campaign, even if they fail to end up Group J runners-up.

Considering his present stance, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Important Highlights

• Kieran McKenna denies any talks with the Scottish club
• McKenna stresses dedication to his current club
• Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
• Each managers connected with Celtic vacancy
• Bellamy unavailable until post tournament matches