🔗 Share this article Who are the primary candidates for the Celtic managerial job? In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, multiple candidates have surfaced as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman. Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first stint in charge of the Glasgow club ended. Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, leaving them eight points behind in second place, while they have won just two of their previous seven matches in all competitions. O'Neill, 73, has dismissed speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker." A number of candidates have already started to emerge for the position, among them some figures with close links to Parkhead. The Ipswich Town Head Coach Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive candidate to guide Celtic back on a winning track. However, sources have suggested that Celtic could face a significant financial cost to snap up the young manager. McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, reportedly worth around £5 million per season. Additionally, it is understood he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to pursue their interest. It is yet unclear whether McKenna is willing 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 in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's relegation from the Premier League. McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford manager's job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was taken from within by Keith Andrews. The Former Celtic Boss Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a short and disappointing stint 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 ties and six losses in all competitions, but he is nonetheless highly regarded 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 clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his second campaign. Robbie Keane Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill as another option with close links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club. Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances 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 star hung up his boots in November 2018 following a short stint as player-manager 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. 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 former striker scored eight goals in 14 matches 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 said to be dedicated to the role. Wales are in third place 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. 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 dismissed at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot. Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is short term, until a permanent manager is selected." O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.