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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple potential successors have surfaced as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

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

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, putting them eight points adrift in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches in all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed suggestions he could take up the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

Several potential appointees have reportedly begun to surface for the position, among them some names with close links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial bill to secure the 39-year-old.

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

Furthermore, it is understood he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to pursue their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to depart 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 in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's relegation 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 taken internally by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

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 shortest-serving 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 nonetheless revered by the Celtic supporters and is available.

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 strong links to Celtic and someone who fully knows the club.

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

The Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in November 2018 after a brief 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 took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the league title during his first season.

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

The Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales team 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 managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and suffering four defeats—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 play-off berth, so luring him away from the national side could prove difficult.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven honors, including three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's last role in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded 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 said, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is short term, until a permanent manager is appointed."

O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.