Nancy Is Set to Lead of the Glasgow Giants This Week - Martin O'Neill

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the table with a victory during his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the positive run during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."