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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple candidates have come to light as potential replacements for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic acted swiftly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his initial spell in charge of the Glasgow 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 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 full-time basis—stating he is merely "holding the fort."

A number of candidates have reportedly begun to surface for the position, among them some figures with strong links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could face a significant financial cost to secure the young manager.

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

Additionally, it is understood he has a significant buyout clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they decide to pursue their inquiry.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to leave English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.

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

McKenna was among 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.

Ange Postecoglou

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

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground 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 in all competitions, but he is still revered 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.

Robbie Keane

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

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

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 after 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 claimed the championship during his first season.

It is believed 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 understood to have supporters at Celtic.

The former striker 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 third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the national side could be difficult.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven trophies, among them three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's last 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 conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is appointed."

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