Kieran McKenna has refused to rule out the possibility of taking on the vacant Celtic job.
The Ipswich Town manager is among the names the Parkhead hierarchy are considering as a long-term replacement for Brendan Rodgers, even though it could take up to £5million in compensation to land him.
Pressed on whether he was a Celtic fan growing up, the 39-year-old Northern Irishman, whose side are currently 12th in the English Championship, said: ‘It’s a really big club, we all have our affinities.
‘I don’t think everyone has to go around announcing what they are, the clubs that we support, the clubs we follow.
‘But, of course, it’s a really big club. We’re in a really important stage of the season so I haven’t watched a lot of other football this week.’
Asked if he knew whether an approach has been made, he said: ‘I’ve not had any of those conversations. My focus has been purely here.
McKenna is among the names Celtic are considering as replacement for Brendan Rodgers
Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen is another manager that Celtic are believed to admire
Many Celtic fans would be happy to see Ange Postecoglou return as manager
‘My focus is on Ipswich. We all grow up as football supporters. People who are lucky enough to work in the game, we have affinities with different clubs, but I’m really privileged to be in the position I am.
‘I know the size, history and significance of this club as well and, when you’re in the honoured position to manage this club, there’s no time or space to think or discuss any other club.
‘I work as if I’m always going to be Ipswich manager. I know in reality I won’t be – and at some stage in the future I won’t be – but that doesn’t detract from trying to do the right thing every day for the club.’
McKenna, who guided Ipswich to back-to-back EFL promotions and a first Premier League campaign for 22 years, is under contract at Portman Road until 2028.
Asked if he would be able to talk to another club if an acceptable offer came in, he said: ‘These things are usually contractual. I don’t think there are many unofficial handshakes.
‘I think in every manager’s contract there are contractual things. I couldn’t tell you what mine are. If I did know I wouldn’t tell you. It’s not my focus.’
McKenna’s name remains in the frame alongside Ange Postecoglou, Wales boss Craig Bellamy and Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen, but Sky Sports were reporting on Thursday that Postecoglou is very unlikely to return to his former club.
