Celtic’s managerial search started abruptly on Monday.
The shock resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday left everyone stunned after the Hoops fell eight points behind in the Scottish Premiership table.
Rodgers was hammered by an extraordinary Dermot Desmond statement which labelled his actions ‘divisive’ and ‘self-serving.’
This overshadowed the unlikely return of Hoops legend Martin O’Neill to the Celtic Park dugout, but a 4-0 win against Falkirk on Wednesday saw him get off to the perfect start.
O’Neill has said that he expects a ‘young and upcoming’ coach to take his place permanently – and one candidate who fits that bill is Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna breaks silence on Celtic links
McKenna is subject to serious interest from Celtic as Desmond looks to pull off a coup of an appointment.
Previously linked with Chelsea, Brighton and Manchester United, the Northern Irishman is one of the most highly-rated coaches in Britain.
READ MORE: Celtic’s plans to appoint Craig Bellamy ‘ruined’ by Brendan Rodgers
The Tractor Boys face QPR in the Championship on Saturday, but much of the conversation north and south of the border has been dominated by Celtic’s interest in McKenna.
Walking into his pre-match press conference at Playford Road, McKenna joked: “There’s a lot of Scottish representatives here today!”
And speaking on the interest for the first time, he said: “It’s not something I’ve given any thought to or where any part of my concentration is.
“My focus is on Ipswich. I’m really privileged to be in the position that I am. I work here as if I’m going to be here forever and have done since my first day here.”
Those last words are familiar… Ange Postecoglou said the same thing in his spells at both Celtic and Tottenham.
McKenna continued: “[Celtic] is a really big football club. Growing up, we all have our affinities. I don’t think everyone has to go around and announce the club they support, but of course it’s a really big football club.
“But we are in a really busy stage of our season.”
It’s not a yes from McKenna, but not a no. It feels like there are further updates to come on this story.
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