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Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, a number of potential successors have surfaced as potential replacements for the former boss.

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

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

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed suggestions he could take up the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort."

Several candidates have reportedly begun to surface for the role, among them some names with close links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing prospect to get Celtic back on a winning footing.

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

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

Furthermore, it is understood he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to pursue their inquiry.

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though sources have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.

Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.

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

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground and became the briefest 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 defeats across all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic fanbase and is available.

He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as another option with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish giants during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 following a brief period as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.

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

He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his inaugural season.

It is understood Keane would be receptive to the Celtic vacancy.

The Wales National Team Manager

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

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

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

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

Martin O'Neill

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

The Northern Irishman's last position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth 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 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.