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Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.

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 the Championship side.

The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team 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 Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.

"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.

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

"I have a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."

Background and Contractual Details

Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.

"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think all people has to go around and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."

The coach signed a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his alleged buyout clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I am here."

Bellamy's Position

Bellamy played for the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Welsh forward is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.

Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, should they fail to end up Group J second place.

Given his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Important Points

• Kieran McKenna denies having talks with the Scottish club
• McKenna emphasizes commitment to his current club
• Craig Bellamy focused on international qualification
• Both coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
• Bellamy not free until after tournament qualifiers