Which individuals stand as the primary prospects for the Glasgow Celtic managerial role?

In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of candidates have surfaced as potential replacements for the former boss.

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

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in second place, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort."

Multiple potential appointees have already begun to surface for the role, including some figures with strong links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

However, insiders have suggested that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to snap up the young manager.

McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth approximately £5 million per season.

Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable buyout 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 depart 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 currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship following last season's drop from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was filled internally 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 sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous 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 ties and six defeats across all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic supporters and is available.

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 following campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former forward Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another option with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully understands the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 following a short stint as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK.

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

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

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

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 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and losing four—and is reportedly committed to the role.

Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the Welsh team could be challenging.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven trophies, among them 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 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 stated, "I must stress, this is short term, until a full-time manager is appointed."

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