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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, several potential successors have emerged as possible long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first stint in charge of the Glasgow club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, leaving them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches in all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has played down speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

Multiple candidates have reportedly begun to surface for the position, including some names with strong links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

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

However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to snap up the 39-year-old.

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

Furthermore, it is understood he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to formalise their interest.

It remains to be seen 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 presently in the middle of the pack in the Championship following last season's drop from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the summer following Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was taken from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short 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 shortest-serving permanent Premier League manager.

Postecoglou did not secure a victory in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two ties and six defeats in all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic fanbase and is free.

He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former forward 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 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse 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 following a short stint as playing coach 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 won the league title during his first season.

It is believed 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 team and is also understood to have admirers at Celtic.

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

Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be committed to the role.

Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could prove challenging.

The Interim Manager

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

The Northern Irishman's most recent 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 sitting in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "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 7:45 PM GMT.