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Following Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, several candidates have emerged as possible long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his initial stint in charge of the Scottish club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat 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 previous seven matches in all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could take up the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

Multiple potential appointees have already started to emerge for the position, including some names with close links to Parkhead.

Kieran McKenna

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

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

McKenna agreed to a new multi-year contract at Portman Road in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth around £5 million 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 interest.

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to leave English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be receptive 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 off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

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

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground and became the briefest permanent Premier League manager.

Postecoglou did not secure a victory in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six defeats in all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic supporters and is free.

He spent a pair of campaigns 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 qualifies as an additional candidate with close links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 after 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 domestic double last year.

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

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

The Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also thought to have supporters 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 losing four—and is said to be committed to the position.

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

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven trophies, 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 sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.

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

O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.