Names in the frame for Celtic

Tony Mowbray's departure from Celtic after just nine months has paved the way for a new era at Parkhead.

Here, we assess his potential successors:

NEIL LENNON

The former Celtic captain has taken over as caretaker manager until the end of the season and a successful conclusion to a difficult campaign could land him the job full-time. He spent seven years as a player at Parkhead before returning as first-team coach. Most recently, he worked as reserves coach under Mowbray.

PAUL LAMBERT

Another ex-skipper, Lambert has already stated he has no desire to return to Celtic as manager after winning every domestic honour there. But success at Wycombe Wanderers, and now Norwich City, means he could find himself targeted by his old club anyway.

MARK McGHEE

Tipped as a candidate for the job when Gordon Strachan quit last summer, McGhee also boasts a spell as a player in the east end of Glasgow in the 1980s. He moved to another former club, Aberdeen, at the start of the season but has endured a tumultuous time so far in the Granite City and has yet to emulate the success he enjoyed at Motherwell.

MARK HUGHES

A free agent since his departure from Manchester City in December, the Celtic board would welcome the prospect of not having to thrash out a compensation package when appointing their new manager. A high-profile career as both a player and manager would also satisfy the Hoops faithful's desire to see a big name installed in the hot-seat.

CRAIG BROWN

The 69-year-old former Scotland boss has enjoyed startling success since making his return to management with Motherwell earlier in the season, taking them to fourth place in the SPL so far. However, an outside bet for the Celtic job, the veteran is unlikely to be considered a long-term option for the Glasgow giants.

MICK McCARTHY

McCarthy's managerial credentials are impressive and he looks set to keep Wolves in the Barclays Premier League after guiding them to promotion last season. Spells at Millwall and Sunderland, as well as the Republic of Ireland, shows he has the experience for the Celtic job and two years as a player at Parkhead means he has knowledge of the club.