Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple potential successors have emerged as potential replacements for the Northern Irishman.
Celtic moved quickly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his first spell in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could take up the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "serving as a caretaker."
Several potential appointees have already begun to surface for the role, among them some names with strong links to the club.
Kieran McKenna
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive track.
However, sources have indicated that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial bill to secure the young manager.
McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth around £5 million pounds per year.
Additionally, it is understood he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to formalise their interest.
It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to begin a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be open to a move.
Ipswich are currently mid-table in the Championship following last season's relegation from the Premier League.
McKenna was one of the candidates for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was taken from within by Keith Andrews.
The Former Celtic Boss
Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground 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 available.
He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.
Robbie Keane
Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another candidate with close links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games 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 hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief period 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 league and cup double last year.
He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the championship during his first season.
It is believed Keane would be open to the Celtic opening.
The Wales National Team Manager
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 temporary stay in 2005.
Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, drawing four, and losing four—and is reportedly dedicated to the role.
Wales are third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the national side could prove difficult.
Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven trophies, including three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's last position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion 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 selected."
O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host sixth-placed Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.
