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

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first spell in charge of the Scottish club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, putting them eight points behind in second place, 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—insisting he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

Multiple candidates have already started to emerge for the position, among them some figures with strong links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

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

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

Furthermore, it is understood he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to formalise their inquiry.

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to begin a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be open to a move.

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

McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was taken from within 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 end of the 2024-25 season, managed only 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 ties and six defeats across all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic fanbase 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 following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as another option with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely knows 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 that season.

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 following a brief stint as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.

In 2023, Keane was named manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and guided them to a league and cup double last year.

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

It is believed Keane would be open to the Celtic vacancy.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales team 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 temporary stay in 2005.

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

Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a play-off berth, so luring him away from the Welsh team could be difficult.

Martin O'Neill

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

The Northern Irishman's last position 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 sitting in the identical position.

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

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