Which individuals stand as the primary prospects for the Glasgow Celtic head coach role?
Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic head coach on Monday, a number of potential successors have emerged as possible replacements for the Northern Irishman.
Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as temporary boss—20 years after his first spell in charge of the Glasgow club ended.
Sunday's 3-1 loss at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, putting them eight points adrift 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 full-time basis—stating he is merely "serving as a caretaker."
A number of candidates have already started to emerge for the position, among them some names with close links to Parkhead.
The Ipswich Town Head Coach
Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as an attractive prospect to get Celtic back on a positive track.
However, sources have suggested that Celtic could face a significant financial bill to secure the 39-year-old.
McKenna agreed to a new multi-year contract at Ipswich in the 2024 off-season, said to be worth around £5 million per year.
Additionally, it is believed he has a sizable release clause that Celtic may be obliged to meet if they choose to pursue their inquiry.
It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to forge a new phase in Scotland—though sources have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move.
Ipswich are presently in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League.
McKenna was among the candidates for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's departure, but the role was filled from within by Keith Andrews.
The Former Celtic Boss
Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was sacked by Tottenham at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, managed only 39 days at the club and became the shortest-serving permanent Premier League manager.
Postecoglou failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two ties and six defeats across all competitions, but he is nonetheless revered by the Celtic fanbase and is available.
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.
Robbie Keane
Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as another option with strong 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 2009-10.
The Republic of Ireland star retired in November 2018 after a brief period as playing coach at Indian Super League club ATK.
In 2023, Keane was appointed manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and guided them to a domestic double last year.
He assumed control at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and claimed the league title during his inaugural season.
It is believed Keane would be receptive to the Celtic opening.
Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales team and is also understood to have supporters 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, drawing four, and suffering four defeats—and is reportedly committed 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 luring him away from the national side could be challenging.
Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill spent half a decade in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—securing seven trophies, 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 identical position.
Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is short term, until a permanent manager is appointed."
O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic welcome sixth-placed Falkirk at 7:45 PM GMT.
