🔗 Share this article

Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of candidates have surfaced as possible replacements for the former boss.

Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his initial stint in charge of the Glasgow club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches across all competitions.

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

Multiple candidates have reportedly begun to surface for the role, including some names with strong links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an appealing prospect to get Celtic back on a winning track.

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

McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth approximately £5 million per season.

Additionally, it is believed 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 willing to depart English football to begin a new chapter 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 among the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season following 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 unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, managed only 39 days at the City Ground 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 losses in all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic fanbase and is available.

He spent two seasons 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 qualifies as an additional option with close links to Celtic and someone who fully knows the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games 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 short period as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.

In 2023, Keane was named manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and led 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 inaugural 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 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 reportedly committed to the position.

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

Martin O'Neill

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

The Northern Irishman's last 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 end of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is short term, until a full-time manager is appointed."

O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.