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

Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first stint in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving them eight points behind in second place, 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—stating he is merely "keeping the seat warm."

Several candidates have reportedly begun to surface for the position, among them some figures with strong links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive prospect to guide Celtic back on a winning track.

However, sources have suggested that Celtic could encounter a significant financial cost to secure the 39-year-old.

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

Furthermore, it is believed he has a significant 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 depart English football to begin a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have suggested the manager would be receptive to a move.

Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship following last season's relegation from the Premier League.

McKenna was among the contenders 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 available again after a short and disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the previous season, lasted just 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 available.

He spent a pair of campaigns 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 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 2009-10.

The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 after a brief stint as player-manager 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 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 thought to have admirers at Celtic.

The former striker scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.

Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and losing four—and is said to be committed to the role.

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

The Interim Manager

Martin O'Neill spent five years 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 succeeded 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 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 welcome sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.