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

The Manager's Position on Celtic

McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.

The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native former Irish 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 possess a special position here at a special team. And we're at a really important 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 open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think all people has to publicly and announce what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."

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

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

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

Bellamy's Position

Bellamy played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.

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

Victories over the minnows 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 productive Nations League performance, should they fail to end up Group J runners-up.

Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Highlights

• Ipswich's manager denies any talks with Celtic
• McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
• Craig Bellamy focused on international qualification
• Each coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
• The Welsh coach not free until after World Cup matches