Wilfried Nancy Is Set to Lead for Celtic This Week - O'Neill

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."