Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has admitted he wants to manage in the Premier League after being linked with replacing Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace.
The 37-year-old has led Ipswich to within three-points of the Championship’s automatic promotion places as his side secured a dominant 2-1 win over Swansea on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Palace travel to Goodison Park on Monday seeking a transformative victory.
McKenna led Ipswich to the Championship last year during his debut managerial campaign and has continued to impress as they push for a place in the Premier League next season, competing with Leeds and Southampton for the second automatic promotion spot while Leicester race off at the top of the table.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna says that he is eager to work in the Premier League
McKenna has been linked with the Crystal Palace job, with Roy Hodgson set to leave the club
The Northern Irishman previously worked as a coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford before leaving to replace Paul Cook as Ipswich chief in 2021 and believes he is now ready for a main character role in the English top-flight.
Considering his answer carefully after being asked about his suitability for the Palace job, McKenna said: ‘I think there’s really good managers at every level.
‘I’ve worked at the Premier League as a first-team coach with a big contribution to some big wins and good seasons there so I know the level, have operated at that level and can work with players at that level and think I can help players and teams at that level.
‘I think ultimately in my career that is where I want to work and want to make an impact but I think there’s other coaches in the chain who can do that.
‘I am enjoying my job here, it’s a fantastic football club and a great group to work with and that’s where the focus is at the moment and enjoying the really good season we are having,’ he added.
Former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner is also in the frame to replace Hodgson alongside Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui.
Hodgson was set to be asked about his future at Selhurst Park on Friday but didn’t attend his pre-match press conference after being taken ill in a morning training session and rushed to hospital for tests.
The former England manager is seeking medical advice before making a final decision on his future in football, though he is expected to step down from his post at Crystal Palace.
McKenna’s Ipswich beat Swansea City 2-1, with Nathan Broadhead opening the scoring
Conor Chaplin’s goal proved to be decisive as Ipswich managed to take all three points
Jerry Yates had equalised for Swansea but it was Ipswich who were able to secure the victory
Meanwhile, Ipswich are continuing to thrive under McKenna’s guidance after recovering from a post-Christmas slump.
Goals from Nathan Broadhead and Conor Chaplin either side of a Jerry Yates strike in Wales earned them a vital 2-1 win over Swansea.
