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Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of potential successors have come to light as possible long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first stint in charge of the Scottish club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches in all competitions.

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

A number of potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the role, including some names with strong links to Parkhead.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing candidate to get Celtic back on a positive track.

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

McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth around £5 million pounds per year.

Furthermore, it is believed he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to formalise their inquiry.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to depart English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.

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

McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was filled from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground 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 defeats across all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic fanbase and is available.

He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

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

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish giants 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 stint as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.

In 2023, Keane was appointed 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 won the championship during his first season.

It is understood 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 supporters at Celtic.

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

Bellamy has managed 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and losing four—and is reportedly committed 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 national side could prove 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 most recent role 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 dismissed at the end of the season with Forest sitting in the identical position.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I must stress, this is short term, until a full-time manager is selected."

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