McKenna says he has had ‘no conversations’ about Celtic job and insists he’s ‘within the center’ of ‘long-term challenge’ with Ipswich

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has said his dedication to the membership after reviews linking him with the vacant position at Celtic.

McKenna had emerged as one of many favourites for the Hoops job after Brendan Rodgers left his position earlier this week, with Martin O’Neill at the moment in cost as interim.

The 39-year-old is one in every of English soccer’s most promising managers after guiding the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League, with the membership now again within the Championship.

Regardless of describing Celtic as “a extremely large soccer membership”, McKenna confused he’s “within the center” of a “long-term challenge” with Ipswich.

“I’ve not had any of these conversations. It’s not one thing I’ve given any thought to, or the place any a part of my focus is that this week.

“I’ve a particular job right here at a particular membership. And we’re at a extremely vital stage of the season. Something exterior of that hasn’t touched my radar.

“I do know I gained’t be the supervisor right here perpetually, for one cause or one other, however I’m definitely totally targeted on the duty at hand, each within the quick time period, medium and lengthy.”

After relegation from the highest flight, Ipswich have struggled to search out their toes again within the second tier and at the moment sit twelfth. Having reportedly supported Celtic when rising up in Northern Eire, he was seen as a key contender.

“Rising up, all of us have our affinities,” he mentioned when requested about these affinities with the Scottish Premiership membership. “I don’t assume everybody has to go round and announce what they had been, however after all it’s a extremely large soccer membership.”

McKenna signed a brand new four-year contract in 2024 and was requested about his reported £5million launch clause.

“In each supervisor’s contract, there are issues,” he replied. “I don’t know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn’t let you know anyway!

“I strategy this job like I’ll be Ipswich supervisor perpetually. I do know that’s not all the time going to be the case, however I’ll all the time do my greatest so long as I’m right here.”

The seek for a brand new supervisor seems set to proceed for Celtic, who’re at the moment eight factors behind shock leaders Hearts within the Scottish Premiership, with Craig Bellamy additionally set to rule himself out amid his dedication to guiding Wales to the 2026 World Cup, in response to the BBC.

A possible return for Ange Postecoglou, who was just lately sacked by Nottingham Forest, can be believed to be a non-starter.