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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple candidates have emerged as potential long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic moved quickly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his initial spell in charge of the Glasgow club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders 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 across all competitions.

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

Multiple potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, including some figures with strong links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive candidate to guide Celtic back on a winning track.

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

McKenna signed 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 understood he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to pursue their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though sources have suggested the manager would be open to a move.

Ipswich are presently mid-table in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.

McKenna was among the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was filled from within by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of the previous season, managed only 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 defeats 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 guided the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his second campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional candidate with close links to Celtic and someone who fully understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish powerhouse during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season.

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 after a short stint 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 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 understood to have supporters at Celtic.

The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and losing four—and is said to be dedicated to the role.

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—winning seven honors, including 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 in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is short term, until a full-time manager is selected."

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