🔗 Share this article

Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, a number of candidates have come to light as possible long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

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

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, putting 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 speculation he could take up the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "holding the fort."

Multiple potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, including some names with strong links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive 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 multi-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth around £5 million per year.

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

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though sources have suggested the manager would be open to a move.

Ipswich are presently mid-table in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the candidates for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and disappointing stint 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 failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two ties and six losses across all competitions, but he is still highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is free.

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 second campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former forward Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional option with close links to Celtic and someone who fully 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 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 after a brief period as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.

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

He assumed control 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 national side and is also understood to have supporters 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—winning six, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly committed to the position.

Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the national side could be challenging.

The Interim Manager

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

The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the dugout 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 said, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is short term, until a permanent manager is appointed."

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