Who are the top candidates for the Celtic managerial job?

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

Celtic moved quickly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his initial spell in charge of the Glasgow 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 won just two of their previous seven matches in all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has played down speculation he could take up the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "holding the fort."

Multiple potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the position, including some names with close links to the club.

The Ipswich Town Head Coach

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

However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a significant financial bill to snap up the young manager.

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

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

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is prepared to leave English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be open to a move.

Ipswich are presently mid-table in the Championship after last season's relegation from the Premier League.

McKenna was one of the candidates for the Brentford manager's job in the off-season after Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground and became the briefest 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 losses across all competitions, but he is still revered 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.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another option with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely knows the club.

Keane scored 16 goals in 19 games for the Scottish powerhouse during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 following a short period 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 domestic double last year.

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

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

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also thought to have admirers at Celtic.

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

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

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

Martin O'Neill

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 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 sacked at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is short term, until a full-time manager is selected."

O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.