In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, several candidates have surfaced as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.
Celtic moved quickly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—20 years after his initial spell in charge of the Glasgow club ended.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches in all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has dismissed suggestions he could take up the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort."
A number of potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, among them some figures with close links to Parkhead.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive candidate to guide Celtic back on a winning track.
However, sources have suggested that Celtic could face 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, said to be worth around £5 million per season.
Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they decide to pursue their interest.
It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to leave 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 in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's relegation from the Premier League.
McKenna was one of the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was taken 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 dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the club 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 in all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic supporters and is available.
He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.
Robbie Keane
Former forward Robbie Keane also qualifies 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 powerhouse during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.
The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 following 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 league and cup double last year.
He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his inaugural season.
It is understood Keane would be open to the Celtic vacancy.
The Wales National Team Manager
Craig Bellamy took his first steps 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 temporary stay in 2005.
Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and losing four—and is reportedly committed to the role.
Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the national side could be difficult.
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 last role in the dugout 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 sitting 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 initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.
