In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple potential successors have surfaced as possible long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.
Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his initial spell in charge of the Glasgow club ended.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their previous seven matches in all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has played down speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."
A number of candidates have already begun to surface for the position, including some names with strong links to the club.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an appealing candidate to guide Celtic back on a winning footing.
However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could face a substantial financial cost to secure the young manager.
McKenna signed a new multi-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth around £5 million pounds per season.
Additionally, it is understood he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to formalise their inquiry.
It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be open to a move.
Ipswich are currently mid-table in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.
McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the previous season, managed only 39 days at the club and became the briefest permanent Premier League manager.
Postecoglou failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two ties and six defeats across all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is free.
He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a domestic treble in his second campaign.
The Former Celtic Striker
Former forward Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully knows the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season.
The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief stint as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.
In 2023, Keane was appointed manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and guided them to a league and cup double last year.
He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the league title during his first season.
It is believed Keane would be open to the Celtic vacancy.
Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also understood to have admirers at Celtic.
The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and losing four—and is said to be dedicated to the position.
Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the national side could be difficult.
The Interim Manager
Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven honors, including three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I must stress, this is short term, until a permanent manager is appointed."
O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.
