🔗 Share this article Who are the primary candidates for the Celtic managerial job? Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple candidates have come to light as possible long-term successors for the Northern Irishman. Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his first spell in charge of the Scottish club ended. Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points adrift in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches in all competitions. O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could assume the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "keeping the seat warm." A number of candidates have already started to emerge for the position, including some figures with close links to the club. Kieran McKenna Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an appealing candidate to guide Celtic back on a winning footing. However, insiders have indicated that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial cost to secure the young manager. McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the 2024 off-season, said to be 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 choose to pursue their inquiry. It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to begin a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have suggested the manager would be open to a move. Ipswich are currently mid-table 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 summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was filled internally 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 2024-25 season, managed only 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 draws and six losses in all competitions, but he is still revered by the Celtic fanbase and is free. 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 qualifies as another candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who fully knows the club. Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season. The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 after a short stint as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK. In 2023, Keane was named 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 opening. Craig Bellamy Craig Bellamy began his journey 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 appearances for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005. Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—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 luring him away from the Welsh team could prove difficult. The Interim Manager Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven honors, among them three Premiership titles. The Northern Irishman's last role in the dugout 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 conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot. Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill stated, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is appointed." O'Neill's first assignment comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.