🔗 Share this article

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

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

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, putting them eight points adrift 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 take up the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

A number of candidates have already begun to surface for the position, including some names with strong links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could face a significant financial cost to secure the 39-year-old.

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

Additionally, it is understood he has a significant release 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 begin a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.

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

McKenna was among the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the summer following Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was taken from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground and became the briefest permanent Premier League manager.

Postecoglou failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two ties 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 following campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another candidate with close links to Celtic and someone who fully knows 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 star retired 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 first season.

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

The Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy took his first steps 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 loan spell in 2005.

Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly committed to the role.

Wales are third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the national side could prove difficult.

Martin O'Neill

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 last role 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 end of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is selected."

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