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Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple potential successors have surfaced as potential long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years 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 defeat, leaving them eight points adrift in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches in all competitions.

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

Multiple candidates have reportedly started to emerge for the position, among them some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive prospect to guide Celtic back on a winning track.

However, sources have suggested that Celtic could encounter a significant financial cost to snap up the 39-year-old.

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

Additionally, it is believed he has a significant buyout clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to pursue their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to begin a new phase 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 one of the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was taken from within by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed 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 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 still revered by the Celtic fanbase and is free.

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 qualifies as an additional candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully knows the club.

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

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 after a short stint 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 won the league title during his inaugural season.

It is believed Keane would be receptive to the Celtic opening.

The Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also understood to have admirers at Celtic.

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

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

Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the national side could prove difficult.

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 role in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the end 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 appointed."

O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.