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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple candidates have come to light as possible long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—20 years after his initial stint in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points adrift in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches in all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could assume the job on a full-time basis—insisting he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

A number of potential appointees have already started to emerge for the position, including some figures with close links to Parkhead.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing candidate to get Celtic back on a positive track.

However, sources have indicated that Celtic could encounter a significant financial bill to secure the young manager.

McKenna agreed to a new multi-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth around £5 million per season.

Furthermore, it is understood he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they decide to formalise their interest.

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

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

McKenna was one of the candidates for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion 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 losses across all competitions, but he is still revered 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 qualifies as another option with close links to Celtic and someone who fully knows the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games 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 following a short period as player-manager 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 assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his first season.

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

The Wales National Team Manager

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

The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005.

Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, drawing four, and losing four—and is reportedly dedicated 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 persuading him away from the national side could be 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 role 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 identical position.

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

O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host sixth-placed Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.