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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple potential successors have emerged as possible long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

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

Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.

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

Multiple potential appointees have reportedly begun to surface for the position, including some figures with close links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

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

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

Additionally, it is understood he has a sizable 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 leave English football to begin a new phase in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be open to a move.

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

McKenna was among the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was filled from within by Keith Andrews.

The Former Celtic Boss

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

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the previous season, lasted just 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 losses 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 second campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another option with close links to Celtic and someone who completely 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 that season.

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 after a short period 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 assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the championship during his inaugural season.

It is understood Keane would be receptive to the Celtic vacancy.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also thought to have supporters at Celtic.

The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.

Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and losing four—and is said to be dedicated to the position.

Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could prove difficult.

The Interim Manager

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 replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the end of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is selected."

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