🔗 Share this article

Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, a number of candidates have come to light as possible replacements for the former boss.

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—20 years after his first spell in charge of the Scottish club concluded.

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 won just two of their previous seven matches across all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could assume the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

Multiple candidates have reportedly begun to surface for the role, including some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive prospect to get Celtic back on a positive track.

However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to snap up the 39-year-old.

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

Additionally, it is believed he has a significant release 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 phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be open to a move.

Ipswich are presently 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 departure, but the role was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

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

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, managed only 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 highly regarded 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 following campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional option with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland star retired 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 assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the league title during his first season.

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

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also thought to have supporters at Celtic.

The former striker 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 reportedly dedicated to the position.

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

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing 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 conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.

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

O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome mid-table Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.