Who are the top contenders for the Glasgow Celtic managerial role?

Following Brendan Rodgers' exit as Celtic manager on Monday, several candidates have come to light as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman.

Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his first spell in charge of the Glasgow club concluded.

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

O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could assume the job on a full-time basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."

Several potential appointees have reportedly started to emerge for the position, among them some names with strong links to the club.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an attractive candidate to get Celtic back on a positive footing.

However, sources have suggested that Celtic could encounter a substantial financial cost to secure the young manager.

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

Furthermore, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they decide to formalise their interest.

It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to leave English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be open to a move.

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

McKenna was one of the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the summer following Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was taken from within by Keith Andrews.

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest.

The Australian, who was sacked 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 losses in all competitions, but he is nonetheless 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 clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his following campaign.

Robbie Keane

Former forward Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional 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 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 brief period 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 league and cup double last year.

He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his inaugural season.

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

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy took his first steps 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 overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be committed to the position.

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 Welsh team could prove difficult.

The Interim Manager

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

The Northern Irishman's last position 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 sitting in the same spot.

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

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