Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has acknowledged his dedication to the membership after reviews linking him with the vacant function at Celtic.
McKenna had emerged as one of many favourites for the Hoops job after Brendan Rodgers left his role earlier this week, with Martin O’Neill at present in cost as interim.
The 39-year-old is certainly one 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 careworn he’s “within the center” of a “long-term mission” 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 outdoors of that hasn’t touched my radar.
“I do know I gained’t be the supervisor right here perpetually, for one purpose or one other, however I’m actually totally targeted on the duty at hand, each within the brief time period, medium and lengthy.”
After relegation from the highest flight, Ipswich have struggled to search out their ft again within the second tier and at present 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 in fact 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 finest so long as I’m right here.”
The seek for a brand new supervisor seems to be set to proceed for Celtic, who’re at present 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 keeping with the BBC.
A possible return for Ange Postecoglou, who was lately sacked by Nottingham Forest, can be believed to be a non-starter.
