Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, several potential successors have surfaced as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.
Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—20 years after his initial stint in charge of the Scottish club ended.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, putting them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could assume the job on a full-time basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort."
Multiple potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the position, including some figures with close links to Parkhead.
Kieran McKenna
Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive track.
However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could face a substantial financial cost to secure the 39-year-old.
McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth around £5 million per year.
Furthermore, it is believed he has a significant buyout clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to formalise their interest.
It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.
Ipswich are presently 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 role was taken internally by Keith Andrews.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous 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 ties and six defeats in all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is available.
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 striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option with close links to Celtic and someone who completely 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 retired in November 2018 following a short 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 assumed control 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 took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also understood to have supporters at Celtic.
The 46-year-old 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, tying four, and losing four—and is reportedly dedicated to the role.
Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could be difficult.
Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven trophies, among them three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced 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 short term, 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.
