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Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple candidates have emerged as possible long-term successors for the former boss.

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

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 secured only two victories of their previous seven matches across all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has played down speculation he could take up the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

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

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive footing.

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

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

Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to pursue their inquiry.

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 open to a move.

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

McKenna was one of the candidates 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 available again after a short and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the club 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 defeats in all competitions, but he is still highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is free.

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

Robbie Keane

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

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for that season.

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots 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 domestic double last year.

He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed 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 took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales national side 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 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 guaranteed at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could be difficult.

Martin O'Neill

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

The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the managerial seat 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 stated, "I must stress, this is short term, until a permanent manager is selected."

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