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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, several potential successors have come to light as potential replacements for the former boss.

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

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches across all competitions.

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

Several candidates have already started to emerge 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 guide Celtic back on a winning footing.

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

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

Additionally, it is understood he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to pursue their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to begin a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be open to a move.

Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's relegation from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was taken from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful 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 briefest permanent Premier League manager.

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

He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his following 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 knows 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 after a short stint as playing coach 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 took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his inaugural season.

It is believed 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 supporters at Celtic.

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

Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be dedicated to the position.

Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could prove challenging.

The Interim Manager

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 role in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is appointed."

O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic host sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.