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

The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club

McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been any of those discussions," the English capital native former Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.

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

"I possess a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Everything external hasn't touched my radar."

Context and Contractual Details

Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.

"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think everyone has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."

The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!

"I approach this role like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Position

Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales striker is minded to finish the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

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

Wins over the minnows and their rivals in next month would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful Nations League performance, even if they not finish as Group J second place.

Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until following the play-offs at the earliest.

Important Points

• Ipswich's manager denies any talks with the Scottish club
• The coach stresses dedication to his current club
• Craig Bellamy focused on international campaign
• Both managers linked with Celtic position
• Bellamy unavailable until after tournament qualifiers