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Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, a number of potential successors have emerged as potential replacements for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic acted swiftly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his initial spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, putting them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches across all competitions.

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

Several candidates have already started to emerge for the position, including some figures with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an appealing candidate to guide Celtic back on a positive footing.

However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to secure the young manager.

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

Additionally, it is understood he has a significant buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to formalise their inquiry.

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be open 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 head coach job in the summer following Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was filled from within by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the previous season, lasted just 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 draws and six defeats across all competitions, but he is nonetheless revered by the Celtic fanbase 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 second campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely knows 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 that season.

The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief period as player-manager 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 took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his inaugural season.

It is believed Keane would be open to the Celtic opening.

The Wales National Team Manager

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

The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances 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 position.

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

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven trophies, among them three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the end of the season with Forest sitting in the identical position.

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

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