Celtic stumble upon 'obstacle' for long-term manager target as Crystal Palace become latest competition

Celtic have hit another ‘obstacle’ if they have plans to hire Kieran McKenna, with the former Ipswich Town boss now reportedly being considered by Premier League giants Crystal Palace.

The 40-year old has been considered for multiple Celtic managerial vacancies in recent years - but his high wage bill at Portman Road always proved to be an issue. After working as coach at Manchester United, McKenna earned his first top job at the Tractor Boys in 2021. He spent five years at Ipswich and earned them promotion from the Championship twice, however after the most recent of which last season, he subsequently announced he’d take a break from the game.

Six months on, speculation of a return to management has arisen. Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is set to leave the club in the summer and McKenna has been touted as an ideal successor. However, Premier League side Crystal Palace have now thrown a spanner in the works.

Crystal Palace interest in McKenna breeds Celtic ‘obstacle’

The South London side have won one in five in the Premier League and have slumped down to 17th in the table. The pressure is already mounting on new manager Pierre Sage, particularly after their 5-0 defeat to rivals Brighton earlier this month. According to Football Insider, Palace are ‘considering’ McKenna as a potential replacement if they decide to sack the Frenchman.

Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke explained why Premier League interest in the Irishman doesn’t help Celtic’s cause. He said: "Keiran McKenna would be a big target for Celtic if they were able to lure him in. He's got admirers within Celtic Park, but obviously they would have a lot of competition for his services as well, because there are a number of clubs keen on him.

"Also, I think financially it could be an obstacle for Celtic in that respect because he was on a very good deal at Ipswich. Clubs in the Premier League in England probably would be willing to offer him more than maybe Celtic would be, so they would have an advantage if they were to make a move."

Why is McKenna taking a break from the game?

After guiding Ipswich to promotion for the second time last season, McKenna stepped down as boss weeks later. He explained his decision in a statement, which read: "It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.

"When you have the connection that we have built at this club, there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.

"I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club. After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far."