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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, several potential successors have come to light as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his initial stint in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, putting them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could assume the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

Multiple potential appointees have already begun to surface for the position, among them some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing candidate to get Celtic back on a positive footing.

However, sources have indicated that Celtic could encounter a significant financial bill to snap up the young manager.

McKenna signed a new multi-year contract at Portman Road in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth around £5 million pounds per season.

Additionally, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they decide to pursue their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be open 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 following Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was filled from within by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief 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 briefest permanent Premier League manager.

Postecoglou failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six losses in all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is free.

He spent a pair of campaigns 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 qualifies as another option with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish powerhouse during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season.

The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 following a short stint as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.

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

He assumed control 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.

The Wales National Team Manager

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

The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005.

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

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

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven honors, among them 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 ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the identical position.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is selected."

O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome mid-table Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.