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Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of potential successors have come to light as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.

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

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their previous seven matches across 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."

Multiple candidates have reportedly started to emerge for the role, including some names with strong links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

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

However, sources have suggested that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial cost to snap up the young manager.

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

Furthermore, it is understood he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to pursue their inquiry.

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

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

McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was filled from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, managed only 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 draws and six losses in all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is available.

He spent a pair of campaigns 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 striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in November 2018 after a short period 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 took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his first 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 appearances 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 said to be dedicated to the position.

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

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven trophies, among them three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded 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 said, "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 welcome mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.