🔗 Share this article

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

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

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."