Kieran McKenna described Celtic as "a really big football club" but says he has had "no conversations" with the Scottish champions and stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town. The London-born 39-year-old former Northern Ireland youth international has been linked with the job vacated by the resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday.

McKenna took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League following back-to-back promotions, but they won just four games as they returned to the Championship. They currently sit 12th in England's second tier.

"I have not had any of those conversations," he said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist. "It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is this week. I have a special job here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."

It has been suggested that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances. "Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big football club."

McKenna signed a new four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause. "In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!"

"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as long as I am here."