Who are the primary prospects for the Celtic head coach job?
Following Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic manager on Monday, a number of candidates have emerged as potential replacements for the Northern Irishman.
Celtic acted swiftly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—two decades after his first stint 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 the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches across all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has dismissed suggestions he could assume the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "holding the fort."
A number of potential appointees have already started to emerge for the position, among them some figures with strong links to Parkhead.
Kieran McKenna
Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive track.
However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a significant financial bill to snap up the young manager.
McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract at Ipswich in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth approximately £5 million pounds per year.
Furthermore, it is understood he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they decide to pursue their inquiry.
It remains to be seen whether McKenna is prepared to leave English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.
Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.
McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the off-season following Thomas Frank's exit, but the role was taken from within by Keith Andrews.
The Former Celtic Boss
Ange Postecoglou is available again after a brief and disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion 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 supporters and is free.
He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and guided the club to a clean sweep of Scottish trophies in his second campaign.
The Former Celtic Striker
Former striker Robbie Keane also fits the bill 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 giants during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for 2009-10.
The Republic of Ireland star hung up his boots in November 2018 after 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 league and cup double last year.
He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his inaugural season.
It is understood Keane would be receptive to the Celtic vacancy.
The Wales National Team Manager
Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also understood to have admirers at Celtic.
The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005.
Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is said to be dedicated to the role.
Wales are in third place in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a play-off berth, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could be difficult.
The Interim Manager
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 last role 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 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 appointed."
O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host mid-table Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.
