🔗 Share this article

In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of potential successors have emerged 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 first spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches in all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed suggestions he could take up the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

Several potential appointees have reportedly begun to surface for the position, including some figures with close links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing candidate to guide Celtic back on a winning track.

However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could face a substantial financial cost to snap up the 39-year-old.

McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth approximately £5 million per season.

Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to formalise their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to forge a new chapter 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 one of the candidates for the Brentford manager's job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was filled from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous 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 defeats across all competitions, but he is still highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is available.

He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish giants during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 after a brief stint as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.

In 2023, Keane was named manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and led them to a domestic double last year.

He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the championship during his inaugural season.

It is understood Keane would be receptive to the Celtic vacancy.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also thought to have admirers at Celtic.

The former striker scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005.

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be dedicated to the role.

Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the national side could prove challenging.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven trophies, among them three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was sacked at the end of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is short term, until a full-time manager is appointed."

O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.