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

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

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, putting them eight points behind in second place, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.

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

Multiple candidates have already started to emerge for the role, among them some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

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

However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a significant financial bill to secure the 39-year-old.

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

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

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be open to a move.

Ipswich are currently mid-table 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 summer following Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was filled internally 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 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 defeats across all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic supporters 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.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill 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 giants during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland star retired 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 led 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 understood Keane would be receptive to the Celtic vacancy.

Craig Bellamy

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

The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.

Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and losing four—and is said to be dedicated to the role.

Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the national side could be difficult.

Martin O'Neill

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

The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the managerial seat 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 end of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.

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

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