Celtic 'boosted' in Kieran McKenna chase as new stance revealed

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to pursue Kieran McKenna as their next manager in a boost to their rivals' chances.

The 40-year-old has been heavily tipped with a move to North London after he was spotted in attendance during the 0-0 draw against Everton amid pressure on Roberto De Zerbi.

Following his departure from Ipswich Town during the summer, the boss' availability has placed a number of clubs on alert as he remains very highly regarded within the game.

However, former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that McKenna is unlikely to land the Spurs job amid concerns about his lack of top-level experience.

De Zerbi is also believed to be safe in his position at the North London club as things stand, with no plans to pull the trigger despite what has been a slow start to the season.

That will come as a boost to rival clubs, including Celtic, who have been long-term admirers of McKenna and could look to bring him in if they decide to make a change.

What is the next step for Kieran McKenna?

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that McKenna's attendence at Tottenham's draw with Everton was "strange" given the inevitable speculation.

However, despite suggestions elsewhere that it may have been a play to pile pressure on De Zerbi, Tottenham are not currently considering appointing the manager.

Celtic are one of a number of clubs who have also been linked and could be boosted by the news, but "top clubs" are unlikely to pursue the boss as things stand.

"Kieran McKenna is a name that has come up a lot in the last few years with different jobs," Brown told Football Insider.

"I must admit, I'm not quite convinced he's ready to take on some of the top jobs he's been linked with because his experience at the moment has only been with Ipswich.

"He doesn't have that top-level experience, those expectations and demands that come with managing a top-tier club.

"So when it comes to links with a move to Tottenham, I'm not convinced he's somebody they're going to be looking at, even if he is highly thought of in those sorts of circles.

"He's obviously a very good manager and that's why he's being spoken about, but I don't think he's the answer to Tottenham's prayers. Maybe he'll end up somewhere else."

Could Celtic make a move to land McKenna?

Tottenham's lack of immediate interest in McKenna will come as a boost to Celtic's chances, as the Hoops continue to assess long-term managerial targets in Glasgow.

Martin O'Neill looks likely to remain in his position for now, despite building pressure, but his contract is up at the end of the season and alternatives are being discussed.

However, Brown warned Football Insider on 29 September that Celtic are likely to miss out on McKenna as they will not pay his compensation fee to Ipswich Town.

That comes as any club that pursues the 40-year-old will have to part ways with a reported £8million to his former club, who he left during the summer.

McKenna remains extremely highly regarded, and was considered during Celtic's last mangerial search, but the finances involved are likely to deter them from making a move.