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Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, several candidates have emerged as potential long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic acted swiftly 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 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving 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 played down speculation he could assume the job on a full-time basis—insisting he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

Several candidates have already started to emerge for the position, among them some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive candidate to get Celtic back on a winning track.

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

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

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

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared 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 after last season's drop 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 filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

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

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end 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 draws and six losses across all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is available.

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 forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional option 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 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 led them to a league and cup double last year.

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

It is understood Keane would be open to the Celtic opening.

The Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also thought 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 managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be dedicated to the position.

Wales are in third place in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the Welsh team 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 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 must stress, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is appointed."

O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.