Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple potential successors have surfaced as potential long-term successors for the former boss.
Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first stint in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, leaving them eight points behind in second place, while they have won just two 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 "keeping the seat warm."
A number of candidates have reportedly begun to surface for the role, among them some names with close links to the club.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive prospect to get Celtic back on a winning footing.
However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to secure the 39-year-old.
McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth around ÂŁ5 million pounds per season.
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 remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to leave English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be open to a move.
Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship following last season's relegation from the Premier League.
McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was taken from within by Keith Andrews.
Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of the previous season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground 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 supporters 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.
Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as another candidate with close links to Celtic and someone who completely knows the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.
The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 following a short 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 receptive to the Celtic vacancy.
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 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and suffering four defeats—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 persuading him away from the national side could be challenging.
Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven trophies, including three Premiership titles.
The Northern Irishman's last position in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was sacked at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.
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 host mid-table Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.
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