If Kieran McKenna is appointed as the next Celtic manager, one of his first tasks will be to reshape a squad capable of dominating Scottish football and making an impression in Europe. The Northern Irish tactician has built a strong, disciplined, and technically gifted side at Ipswich Town, and it wouldnât be surprising if he turned to a few familiar faces to help him implement his ideas at Celtic Park.
Here are two Ipswich Town players McKenna could realistically take to Celtic if he takes the job.
1. Leif Davis â The creative left-back with a Premier League engine
Leif Davis has been one of Ipswich Townâs most consistent and influential performers since joining from Leeds United in 2022. The 24-year-old left-back combines high energy, pinpoint crossing, and excellent recovery pace â all traits that fit perfectly into McKennaâs fluid, attacking system.
During Ipswichâs promotion campaign and their strong start to life back in the Premier League, Davis proved to be an indispensable outlet down the left flank. His overlapping runs, quick link-up play, and ability to whip in dangerous balls have created countless opportunities for Ipswichâs forwards. In fact, few full-backs in England have registered as many assists from open play in the past two seasons.
For Celtic, who have often relied on full-backs to stretch play and overload the flanks, Davis would be a seamless fit. His technical quality would allow McKenna to maintain a similar style of possession-based attacking football that Ipswich fans have come to love. Moreover, Celticâs participation in Europe would offer Davis a new stage to test himself, while Ipswich could command a reasonable fee for one of their most valuable assets.
With Greg Taylor currently occupying the left-back role at Celtic, Davis would provide both competition and an upgrade in creativity. His work rate, intelligence, and familiarity with McKennaâs tactical instructions make him an ideal signing to help the new manager hit the ground running in Glasgow.
2. Wes Burns â The tireless winger who thrives in McKennaâs system
Another player McKenna might want to reunite with is Wes Burns, the Welsh international whose pace and versatility have been crucial for Ipswichâs rise under the young manager. Burns has the ability to play as a traditional winger, wing-back, or even a forward â versatility that McKenna values highly.
Burnsâ trademark explosive runs down the right flank have terrorized Championship and Premier League defenses alike. His willingness to track back and support the defense makes him a perfect fit for McKennaâs pressing philosophy, which demands high energy and discipline from wide players.
At Celtic, Burns could slot in seamlessly as a right winger or right wing-back, roles that suit his dynamic style. His directness and intensity would add another dimension to Celticâs attacking play, while his leadership and professionalism would make him a strong presence in the dressing room.
Given that Celtic often dominate domestic matches and face tightly packed defenses, Burnsâ pace on the counter could be invaluable in European fixtures where transitions are key. His chemistry with McKenna would also help the new boss establish his system faster in a new league.
A familiar foundation for a new challenge
If McKenna does move north, heâll know the value of bringing trusted lieutenants who understand his tactical demands and training intensity. Players like Leif Davis and Wes Burns not only fit Celticâs style but also embody the hard work, adaptability, and spirit that have defined McKennaâs Ipswich project.
Such signings would send a clear message: Celtic under McKenna wonât just aim to win domestically â theyâll aim to do it with a modern, exciting, and fearless brand of football.
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