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Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, a number of potential successors have come to light as potential 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 concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, putting them eight points behind in second place, while they have won just two of their last seven matches in all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has played down speculation he could take up the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "holding the fort."

Multiple potential appointees 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 head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive candidate to guide Celtic back on a winning track.

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

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

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

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though sources 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 one of the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was taken internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 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 draws and six defeats in all competitions, but he is nonetheless revered by the Celtic fanbase and is free.

He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his second campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional candidate 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 Player of the Year for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 following a short stint as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.

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

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

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

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also thought to have admirers 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—securing six victories, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be committed to the position.

Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a play-off berth, so luring him away from the national side could prove difficult.

The Interim Manager

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 position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.

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

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