🔗 Share this article

As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to manage Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

That confidence stems from the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."