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Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic head coach on Monday, several candidates have emerged as possible replacements for the former boss.

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

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, putting 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 suggestions he could take up the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

A number of candidates 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 attractive candidate to guide Celtic back on a positive footing.

However, sources have suggested that Celtic could encounter a significant financial cost to secure the 39-year-old.

McKenna signed a new multi-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth around £5 million per year.

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

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested 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 contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was taken internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

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

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 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 losses in 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 guided the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former forward 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 giants during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 after a brief period 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 understood 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 team and is also understood 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—winning six, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be dedicated to the role.

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

Martin O'Neill

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

The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot.

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

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