Nancy Is Set to Lead for Celtic in the Coming Days - O'Neill

As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently looks set to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will oversee Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his first match as manager.

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

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success during games 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- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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