Celtic’s key managerial target Kieran McKenna has finally addressed the rumours linking the Ipswich Town boss to Parkhead.
The Hoops are in need of a new figurehead after former Leicester City man Brendan Rodgers resigned from his post last week amid a split with key shareholder Dermot Desmond. Celtic are at serious risk of losing their grip at the top of Scottish football, with Hearts of Midlothian opening a gap at the top of the Premiership after beating Celtic at Tynecastle.
McKenna Comments On Speculation
While Martin O’Neill is in temporary charge of the Glasgow giants, the board at Celtic Park are hunting for permanent options and McKenna is viewed as a leading candidate, certainly helped by new reports suggesting a return for former boss Ange Postecoglu is unlikely. That same report, from Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, also noted that a move for the Ipswich Town boss would be difficult to complete.
Addressing the media ahead of the Tractor Boys’ trip to Queens Park Rangers this weekend, attention turned to the speculation surrounding McKenna and Celtic. Speaking on the rumours, the Northern Irishman said (Quotes via Ben Jacobs):
“We’ve got a lot of Scottish representatives here today! It’s not something. I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is. I have a special job here at a special football club. It’s a massive club. We’re at a really important stage of the season starting on Saturday at QPR.
“My focus has been 100 percent on the group here. My focus is honestly just on Ipswich. I know the size and significance of this football club. So there is no time or space to discuss any other football club.
“I have not had any of those [formal] conversations [with Celtic]. My focus has been here. I’ll work here as if I am going to be here forever, and I have done since the day I came here. When I arrived, I always knew it was going to be a long-term project. We are sill in the middle of that.
Music To Ipswich Ears
While certainly a diplomatic answer, it is exactly what Ipswich Town fans would want to hear. McKenna will want to get the Suffolk club back into the Premier League this campaign, and a reported £5 million release clause will certainly complicate matters should Celtic choose to move for the 39-year-old.
