🔗 Share this article

Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple candidates have come to light as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

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

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 won just two of their previous seven matches across all competitions.

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

Several potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, among them some figures with strong links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

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

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

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

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.

Ipswich are currently mid-table in the Championship following last season's drop from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the candidates for the Brentford manager's job in the summer following Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was taken internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

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

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

Postecoglou failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six defeats across all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is free.

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.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another candidate with close links to Celtic and someone who fully understands 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 that season.

The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief stint as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.

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

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

It is understood Keane would be open to the Celtic vacancy.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also understood to have supporters at Celtic.

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

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be dedicated to the role.

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

Martin O'Neill

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 last position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was sacked at the end of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot.

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

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