🔗 Share this article

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six wins in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."