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In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple 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 Scottish club concluded.

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

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

Multiple candidates have already started to emerge for the position, including some names with strong links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive candidate to guide Celtic back on a positive track.

However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a significant financial bill to snap up the 39-year-old.

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

Additionally, it is believed he has a significant release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to formalise their interest.

It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though sources have suggested 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 summer after Thomas Frank's departure, but the position was filled from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is available again after a short and disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest.

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

He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely 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 Best Performer for that season.

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 guided them to a domestic double last year.

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

It is believed Keane would be open 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 supporters at Celtic.

The former striker 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 suffering four defeats—and is reportedly dedicated to the position.

Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a play-off berth, so luring him away from the national side could be challenging.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven honors, including three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the managerial seat was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the identical position.

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

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