🔗 Share this article Who are the top prospects for the Celtic managerial position? In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, several potential successors have emerged as potential replacements for the Northern Irishman. Celtic acted swiftly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his initial stint in charge of the Scottish club concluded. Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership loss, leaving them eight points adrift in the runner-up spot, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions. O'Neill, 73, has played down speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker." Multiple potential appointees have already begun to surface for the role, including some names with close links to the club. The Ipswich Town Head Coach Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as an appealing prospect to guide Celtic back on a positive track. However, sources have indicated that Celtic could face a substantial financial bill to snap up the 39-year-old. McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2024, said to be worth around £5 million pounds per season. Additionally, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to pursue their interest. It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to forge a new chapter 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 following last season's drop from the Premier League. McKenna was one of the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the summer following Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was filled internally by Keith Andrews. Ange Postecoglou Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest. The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground 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 still highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is available. 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. The Former Celtic Striker Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as an additional option with close links to Celtic and someone who completely 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 international hung up his boots in November 2018 following a short stint 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 domestic double last year. He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his first 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 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a temporary stay in 2005. Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—winning six, tying four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly committed to the role. Wales are third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed at least a playoff spot, so persuading him away from the Welsh team could be challenging. Martin O'Neill Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven trophies, among them three Premiership titles. The Northern Irishman's last position in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the conclusion of the season with Forest sitting in the same spot. Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I can't emphasise this enough, this is temporary, until a permanent manager is selected." O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.