Kieran McKenna, manager of Ipswich Town, is apparently interested in taking over at Celtic.
Celtic are now looking for a new permanent manager following Brendan Rodgers’ surprising resignation last month, with Martin O’Neill returning on an interim basis while the club searches for his replacement.
In his first two games in command, O’Neill led the Hoops to back-to-back triumphs against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership and bitter rivals Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, but the 73-year-old has stated that he is not interested in the full-time position.
McKenna was one of the first names associated with the Scottish giants following Rodgers’ departure, and Football Insider reports that the 39-year-old is “very interested” in taking over at Celtic Park.
The report also reveals that McKenna is “becoming increasingly unsettled” at Ipswich, and with the Tractor Boys making an inconsistent start to the season in the Championship, despite being widely tipped for promotion, the Northern Irishman is “suddenly being questioned by the club’s hierarchy,” fueling speculation about a move to Glasgow.
Kieran McKenna is interested in the Celtic post amid Ipswich Town leave talk.
In addition to McKenna, Ange Postecoglou and Craig Bellamy have been connected with Celtic in recent weeks, but the former’s return is seen to be doubtful, while the latter maintained this week that he is still fully dedicated to his role as Wales manager.
McKenna was questioned about the conjecture ahead of Ipswich’s trip to QPR last week, and while he maintained that he was solely concerned with happenings at Portman Road, he did not totally rule out the possibility of a move north of the border.
“I haven’t thought about it,” McKenna told Sky Sports.
“To be honest, it is not the focus of my attention this week.
“I know I have a truly remarkable role here at a special and significant football club that I have a strong attachment for.
“And we’re in an extremely vital season and stage of the season. We’ve got a big week coming up, with three important games beginning with QPR.
“To be honest, nothing else has come up on my radar. I’ve been completely committed to the group here, assisting players in their preparations for the game.”
McKenna also revealed that he had not received an approach from Celtic or had any discussions about the vacancy, but with Football Insider revealing that he has a strong interest in the role, it appears he could be tempted to join the Scottish giants, especially given that he is believed to be becoming dissatisfied at Ipswich after an underwhelming start to the season, which currently places them 10th in the table.
However, if the Hoops decide to pursue McKenna, it is uncertain when they will make a formal move, as it has been reported that if he performs well in the upcoming games, interim manager O’Neill may be offered the post till the end of the season.
Fresh Kieran McKenna, Celtic update will be a major problem for Ipswich Town.
Given McKenna’s childhood Celtic fandom, Ipswich fans were already apprehensive about losing him when the talk began last month, and the current story will do little to alleviate their concerns over his possible departure.
McKenna insisted last week that he was still committed to his work with the Tractor Boys, but with the team sitting in mid-table in the Championship, it appears that he is under greater pressure from the management than he has been used to during his time at Portman Road.
If McKenna is dissatisfied in Suffolk, he may decide it is time for a new challenge after nearly four years in charge, and Celtic is one of the few jobs available that would be more appealing to him.
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