Which individuals are the leading contenders for the Celtic managerial job?
In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of candidates have come to light as possible long-term successors for the former boss.
Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his initial spell in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.
Sunday's 3-1 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving them eight points behind in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches across all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could assume the job on a full-time basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort."
A number of potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, among them some figures with close links to Parkhead.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive candidate to get Celtic back on a winning track.
However, sources have suggested that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial bill to snap up the 39-year-old.
McKenna agreed to a new multi-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth approximately £5 million per year.
Additionally, it is understood he has a significant release 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 forge a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.
Ipswich are currently mid-table in the Championship after last season's relegation from the Premier League.
McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position 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 dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the previous 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 across all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is available.
He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his second campaign.
Robbie Keane
Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as an additional candidate with close links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club.
Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish powerhouse during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for that season.
The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 following a brief period 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 domestic double last year.
He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his inaugural season.
It is believed Keane would be receptive to the Celtic opening.
Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also understood to have admirers at Celtic.
The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be committed to the role.
Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could be challenging.
The Interim Manager
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 dugout 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 said, "I must stress, this is temporary, until a full-time manager is appointed."
O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.