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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, several potential successors have come to light as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his initial stint in charge of the Glasgow club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, 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—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

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

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing prospect to guide Celtic back on a winning footing.

However, sources have suggested that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial cost to snap up the 39-year-old.

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

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

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

Ipswich are presently in the middle of the pack in the Championship following last season's relegation from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was taken from within by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous 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 draws and six losses across all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is free.

He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his second campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

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

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

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

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

He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the championship 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 thought to have admirers 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—securing six victories, drawing 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 guaranteed 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—securing seven honors, including three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is short term, until a full-time manager is selected."

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