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

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his first spell in charge of the Glasgow club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, putting 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 played down suggestions he could assume the job on a full-time basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort."

Multiple potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, including some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

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

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

McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth around £5 million per year.

Furthermore, it is understood he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to pursue their inquiry.

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to leave English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.

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

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

The Former Celtic Boss

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

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion 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 ties and six defeats in all competitions, but he is still highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is available.

He spent a pair of campaigns 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 an additional candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely knows the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots 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 guided them to a league and cup double last year.

He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his inaugural season.

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

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy took his first steps 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 temporary stay in 2005.

Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly committed 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 difficult.

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 role 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 same spot.

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

O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.