A former Celtic striker names only two managers who might succeed Martin O’Neill.

Former Celtic striker Dion Dublin has identified the two managers he believes could realistically succeed Martin O’Neill at Parkhead whenever the veteran Irishman eventually decides to leave the club.

According to Dublin, Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche are the only two candidates who immediately stand out as potential replacements for O’Neill. The former England international believes both managers possess the personality and experience required to cope with the enormous expectations that come with managing Celtic.

5th September 2026; The Marbill Coaches Stadium, Paisley, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Celtic manager Martin ONeill acknowledges the fans after the match

O’Neill returned to Celtic during the summer after agreeing to a one-year contract that includes an option for an additional 12 months. The experienced manager had previously stepped in twice during the second half of the previous season to help steady the club during difficult circumstances.

Despite his age, O’Neill has made an impressive return to the Celtic dugout. His latest spell has started particularly well in domestic competition, with the Hoops maintaining an outstanding unbeaten league run that stretches back to March.

Celtic have also enjoyed a perfect beginning to the current Premiership campaign. The Scottish champions have won each of their opening five league matches and are preparing to travel to St Johnstone with the opportunity to maintain their 100 per cent record.

With O’Neill now 74 years old and his current contract only guaranteed until the end of the season, speculation about his long-term successor has inevitably started. Although Celtic have the option to extend his agreement, there is already a sense that the club will eventually need to identify a new manager.

Dublin believes that finding the right person will not be straightforward.

The former Celtic striker explained that there is no manager who can be described as the guaranteed perfect replacement for O’Neill. He believes that the only way to determine whether somebody is truly suited to the Celtic job is to give them the opportunity and then judge their performance once they are inside the club.

For Dublin, Celtic’s stature is one of the biggest challenges facing any potential successor. The club is enormous, both domestically and internationally, and the expectations placed on its manager are extremely high.

The former striker suggested that many coaches could be intimidated by the pressure associated with the position. Managing Celtic requires somebody who can handle the size of the institution, the demands of the supporters and the expectation of competing for trophies every season.

That is why Dublin believes Lampard could be an interesting option.

Lampard is currently managing Coventry City and represents a younger generation of coaches who, in Dublin’s opinion, would not be overwhelmed by the scale of the Celtic position.

The former Chelsea midfielder has already experienced significant pressure during his managerial career, having previously managed Chelsea and Everton. He also knows what it is like to operate at a major club where expectations are extremely high.

Dublin admitted that he would prefer Lampard to remain at Coventry City, but he believes the former England midfielder has the character and confidence required to take on a job as demanding as Celtic.

Lampard, however, is not the only manager Dublin believes could fit the role.

The former Celtic striker also highlighted Sean Dyche as a potential successor to O’Neill. Dyche is a completely different type of candidate from Lampard, with extensive experience managing in the Premier League and a reputation for building organised, hard-working teams.

Dyche spent a lengthy period in charge of Burnley before later taking over at Everton. His managerial career has demonstrated his ability to work under pressure, particularly at clubs where expectations and circumstances can change rapidly.

Dublin questioned why Celtic could not consider someone like Dyche when the time comes to appoint O’Neill’s successor.

He believes the experienced English manager could be a surprisingly strong fit for the Scottish giants. Dyche is known for his strong personality, direct approach and ability to demand high standards from his players.

Those qualities could potentially suit Celtic, particularly given the level of pressure surrounding the club.

Dublin suggested that Dyche’s character could help him deal with the demands of managing at Parkhead, while his previous Premier League experience would give him considerable knowledge of working in a highly competitive environment.

However, while Dublin has narrowed his suggestions down to Lampard and Dyche, Celtic are unlikely to restrict their search to only those two names.

The club will have to consider a wide range of factors before appointing O’Neill’s eventual successor, including tactical philosophy, experience, personality and the ability to handle the expectations of Celtic supporters.

Of Dublin’s two suggestions, Lampard could arguably represent the more appealing option. His age, modern coaching approach and experience at some of England’s biggest clubs could make him an intriguing candidate.

Dyche, meanwhile, would offer Celtic a more experienced and pragmatic alternative. His personality and Premier League background could provide a different type of leadership.

Ultimately, though, Celtic still have time before they need to make a decision. O’Neill’s return has begun extremely positively, and the club’s immediate priority will be maintaining its strong form on the pitch.

For now, Celtic supporters can enjoy watching O’Neill’s latest chapter unfold. But when the 74-year-old eventually decides that his time at Parkhead has come to an end, the debate over his successor will undoubtedly become one of the biggest stories surrounding the club.

Dublin has already put forward two names in Lampard and Dyche, but Celtic would be wise to conduct a much wider search before making such an important appointment.

And while Dublin’s suggestions may generate plenty of discussion among supporters, his final verdict on the potential candidates is likely to divide opinion just as much as the names themselves.