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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, several candidates have surfaced as possible long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic acted swiftly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first stint in charge of the Glasgow club ended.

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

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

A number of potential appointees have reportedly begun to surface for the position, among them some figures with close links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to snap up the 39-year-old.

McKenna agreed to a new multi-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth approximately £5 million pounds per year.

Furthermore, it is believed he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to pursue their inquiry.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to depart 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 following last season's drop from the Premier League.

McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season 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 disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the previous season, managed only 39 days at the club 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 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 following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games 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 star hung up his boots in November 2018 following a brief 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 domestic double last year.

He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his inaugural season.

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

The Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also thought 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 overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly dedicated to the position.

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 national side could prove difficult.

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing 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 in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is selected."

O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome sixth-placed Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.