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Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, several potential successors have come to light as possible replacements for the former boss.

Celtic acted swiftly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, leaving them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches across all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could assume the job on a full-time basis—insisting he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

Several candidates have already started to emerge for the role, including some figures with close links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an appealing prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive footing.

However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could encounter a significant financial bill to secure the 39-year-old.

McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth around £5 million pounds per year.

Additionally, it is understood 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 begin a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.

Ipswich are presently in the middle of the pack in the Championship following last season's relegation from the Premier League.

McKenna was among the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short and disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 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 draws 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 clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional option with close links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for that season.

The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 following a short period as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.

In 2023, Keane was appointed 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 league title during his first season.

It is understood 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 supporters at Celtic.

The former striker scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and losing four—and is said to be committed to the position.

Wales are in third place 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 be challenging.

Martin O'Neill

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

The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced 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 stated, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is selected."

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