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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple candidates have come to light as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic acted swiftly to appoint 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 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches across all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could take up the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

A number of candidates have reportedly started to emerge for the position, among them some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

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

However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial cost to snap up the 39-year-old.

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

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

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.

Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground and became the briefest permanent Premier League manager.

Postecoglou did not secure a victory in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six losses in all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic supporters and is free.

He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former forward Robbie Keane also qualifies as another option with close 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 playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.

In 2023, Keane was named manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and guided them to a domestic double last year.

He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the championship during his first season.

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

Craig Bellamy

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

The former striker scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005.

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and losing four—and is reportedly committed to the position.

Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed 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—winning seven honors, including three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's last position in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced 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 remaining in the same spot.

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

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