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Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple potential successors have come to light as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.

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

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their previous seven matches in all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

A number of potential appointees have already begun to surface for the position, including some figures with strong links to Parkhead.

Kieran McKenna

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

However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a significant financial cost to snap up the young manager.

McKenna signed a new multi-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth approximately £5 million per season.

Additionally, it is understood he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to pursue 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 open 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 among the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

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

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, managed only 39 days at the club and became the shortest-serving 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 across all competitions, but he is still 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 domestic treble in his following campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as another candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.

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

The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 after a brief 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 league and cup double last year.

He assumed control 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 national side and is also understood to have supporters at Celtic.

The former striker scored eight goals in 14 appearances 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 said to be dedicated to the position.

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 prove challenging.

Martin O'Neill

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

The Northern Irishman's most recent 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 dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the identical position.

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

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