🔗 Share this article

Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple potential successors have surfaced as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, putting them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches in 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."

Several potential appointees have reportedly begun to surface for the position, among them some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

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

However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial bill to secure the 39-year-old.

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

Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to pursue their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to leave English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.

Ipswich are presently in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's drop 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 from within by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, managed only 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 highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is free.

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

Robbie Keane

Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season.

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in November 2018 after a short stint as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.

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

He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the league title during his first season.

It is understood 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 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 managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and losing four—and is reportedly dedicated to the role.

Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the Welsh team could be difficult.

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent half a decade 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 replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.

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

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