Celtic latest: Brendan Rodgers replacement timeline as initial plan blown apart

Celtic are already well underway in their hunt for a new manager following Brendan Rodgers' shock departure on Monday evening. Supporters were left fuming after the side's 3-1 loss to Hearts, but the Northern Irishman's resignation still came as a surprise.

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond released a statement after Rodgers' departure, explaining that the former manager's behaviour "contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club" and branded his comments as "divisive, misleading, and self-serving." Following a 4-0 victory over Falkirk on Wednesday evening under caretaker boss Martin O'Neill, Celtic have reduced Hearts' eight-point advantage to just six points and face Rangers in a League Cup semi-final this Sunday.

Despite the on-field action, focus remains firmly on who will next be holding the reins at Parkhead. Here, Express Football brings you all the latest developments from Celtic Park during their managerial hunt.

Timeline revealed - 'Slip of the tongue'

Caretaker manager O'Neill confessed his suggestion of remaining at Celtic longer was a "slip of the tongue" and confirmed the club are seeking to appoint someone as quickly as possible.

After the midweek victory, the 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, spoke about striker Johnny Kenny's display and his own future at the club.

When questioned about Kenny's double on Wednesday night, O'Neill said: "That definitely helps. He's a young lad, he's making his way in the game, he's learning his trade as he goes along.

"And I'm maybe hoping for whatever spell I'm here, long or short, it'd be more likely to be short, that he can pick up some."

When pressed further about potentially remaining at Celtic for a longer period, the Northern Irishman added: "No, no it was a slip of a tongue."

He insisted that the club are planning to secure a new manager as quickly as possible and there isn't a chance for a permanent return to the team on a long-term basis.

At Tuesday's press conference, O'Neill said: "This is definitely interim. They could have a manager in two weeks' time. If we don't win on Wednesday evening they might even have a new manager on Thursday. Celtic will be looking for a young manager to come in with a very, very decent CV."

Plan A abandoned

Rodgers' surprising departure has thrown out plans to target current Wales boss Craig Bellamy this summer, according to reports. talkSPORT reported that the Celtic hierarchy were planning to approach him next summer.

Rodgers didn't sign a contract extension ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which prompted the club to discuss potential successors for the role - which included Bellamy.

The Wales head coach has been admired by Celtic during his tenure with the national side, where he remained undefeated in his opening nine fixtures against the likes of Turkey, Iceland and Montenegro. Due to Wales' ongoing World Cup qualification campaign, it's unlikely that the 46-year-old will step down midway.

Potential successors include Kieran McKenna, Robbie Keane, Kjetil Knutsen and Nicky Hayen.

Ange Postecoglou, who clinched five major titles - including a domestic treble - with the club, was also rumoured for a sensational comeback. However, Sky Sports News suggests this move is now highly improbable.