Which individuals stand as the primary candidates for the Glasgow Celtic managerial job?

In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple candidates have come to light as possible long-term successors for the former boss.

Celtic moved quickly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his first stint in charge of the Scottish club ended.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, leaving them eight points adrift in second place, while they have secured only two victories of their previous seven matches across all competitions.

O'Neill, 73, has played down 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 position, including some names with close links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

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

However, sources have suggested that Celtic could face a significant financial bill to secure the young manager.

McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth around £5 million per year.

Additionally, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to pursue their inquiry.

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

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

McKenna was among the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was filled internally by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short and unsuccessful spell 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 briefest permanent Premier League manager.

Postecoglou did not secure a victory in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six losses across all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded by the Celtic supporters and is free.

He spent a pair of campaigns in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his second campaign.

The Former Celtic Striker

Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional 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 loan spell in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for that season.

The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 after 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 assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the championship during his first season.

It is believed Keane would be open to the Celtic opening.

The Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy began his journey into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also thought 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 managed 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, tying four, and losing four—and is said to be committed to the position.

Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the national side could prove difficult.

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven honors, among them three Premiership titles.

The Northern Irishman's most recent position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club ninth in the Championship and was dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot.

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

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