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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, several candidates have emerged as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.

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

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their previous seven matches in all competitions.

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

Several potential appointees have already begun to surface for the position, among them some names with strong links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could face a significant financial cost to snap up the young manager.

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

Furthermore, it is understood he has a significant buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to pursue their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be open to a move.

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

McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the summer after Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

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

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion 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 losses across all competitions, but he is nonetheless revered by the Celtic fanbase and is available.

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.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option with close links to Celtic and someone who completely knows the club.

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

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in November 2018 after 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 assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the league title during his first 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 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005.

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly dedicated to the role.

Wales are third 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, including 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 in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the identical position.

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 sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.