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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of candidates have emerged as potential replacements for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic moved quickly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—20 years after his first spell in charge of the Scottish club ended.

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

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could assume the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "holding the fort."

A number of potential appointees have already begun to surface for the role, including some figures with strong links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an appealing prospect to get Celtic back on a positive track.

However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to snap up the young manager.

McKenna agreed to a new multi-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth around £5 million per season.

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

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

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

McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the summer following Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was taken from within by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, lasted just 39 days at the club 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 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.

Robbie Keane

Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill 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 that season.

The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 after a short period 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 took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his first season.

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

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also thought 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 managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be dedicated 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 be challenging.

The Interim Manager

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

The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded 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 said, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is selected."

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