In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of potential successors have surfaced as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.
Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his initial spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.
Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points adrift in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches in all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has dismissed suggestions he could take up the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort."
A number of potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, among them some names with strong links to Parkhead.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive candidate to guide Celtic back on a positive track.
However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial bill to secure the young manager.
McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth approximately £5 million per season.
Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to formalise their inquiry.
It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to begin a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.
Ipswich are presently mid-table in the Championship after last season's relegation from the Premier League.
McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was filled from within by Keith Andrews.
The Former Celtic Boss
Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, managed only 39 days at the City Ground and became the shortest-serving permanent Premier League manager.
Postecoglou failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two ties and six losses across all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is available.
He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led 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 giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season.
The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 following a short stint as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.
In 2023, Keane was named manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and guided them to a domestic double last year.
He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his inaugural season.
It is believed Keane would be receptive to the Celtic vacancy.
The Wales National Team Manager
Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also understood to have admirers at Celtic.
The former striker scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly committed to the role.
Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a play-off berth, so luring him away from the national side could prove challenging.
The Interim Manager
Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven trophies, including three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was dismissed at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is appointed."
O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.
