Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna feels he is ready to manage in the Premier League.
The 37-year-old former Manchester United coach has had a fantastic start to his senior management career, guiding the Blues from midtable in League One to the Championship promotion race in just two years.
McKenna claimed his ‘whole concentration and full dedication’ was with Ipswich after being anointed odds-on favourite to succeed Roy Hodgson at Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace last week.
Former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner is now rumored to be the frontrunner for the job at Selhurst Park, but McKenna was questioned after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Swansea City about whether he felt ready to manage in the top division.
“I’ve not been asked it from that angle yet,” he added, smiling, before taking his time choosing his words in response.
“As a first-team coach in the Premier League, I’ve contributed significantly to some major wins and successful seasons. So I understand the level, I’ve worked at it, and I believe I can help players and teams at that level.
“Yeah, ultimately in my career, that’s where I want to work and make a difference.
“But I believe there are other instructors in the network that can also accomplish that. There are excellent managers at all levels.
“I appreciate my employment here. It’s a tremendous football club, a great bunch to work with, and that’s where the focus is right now. I’m enjoying the excellent season we’re having.”
Ipswich, three points behind second-place Leeds with a game in hand, will play bottom-of-the-table Rotherham United at Portman Road tomorrow night.
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