In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, several potential successors have come to light as potential replacements for the former boss.
Celtic acted swiftly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his initial spell in charge of the Glasgow club ended.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, putting 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 played down speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort."
A number of potential appointees have already begun to surface for the role, among them some figures with close links to Parkhead.
Kieran McKenna
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive candidate to guide Celtic back on a winning track.
However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could encounter a significant financial bill to snap up the young manager.
McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, said to be worth approximately £5 million per season.
Furthermore, it is understood he has a significant buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to pursue their inquiry.
It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to begin a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have suggested the manager would be open to a move.
Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship following last season's relegation from the Premier League.
McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford head coach 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 available again after a brief and disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion 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 draws and six defeats across all competitions, but he is nonetheless revered by the Celtic fanbase and is available.
He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.
Robbie Keane
Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely knows the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.
The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 following 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 guided them to a league and cup double last year.
He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his inaugural season.
It is believed Keane would be receptive 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 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly dedicated to the role.
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 prove difficult.
Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven honors, including three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's last 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 sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is appointed."
O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome mid-table Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.
