🔗 Share this article

Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple potential successors have surfaced as potential replacements for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his first spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, putting them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two 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 "keeping the seat warm."

Multiple candidates have reportedly started to emerge for the role, including some figures with close links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

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

McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, said to be worth around £5 million per year.

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

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to leave English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be open to a move.

Ipswich are presently in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's relegation from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was taken internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief 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 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 losses across all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic supporters and is available.

He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a domestic treble in his second campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional candidate 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 Player of the Year for that season.

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in November 2018 following a brief 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 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 understood Keane would be receptive to the Celtic opening.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also thought to have admirers at Celtic.

The former striker scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and losing four—and is reportedly committed to the role.

Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the national side could be 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 most recent role 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 dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the identical position.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is selected."

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