Nancy Will Take Charge of the Glasgow Giants in the Coming Days - Martin O'Neill

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to oversee the team in the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will 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 is a result of the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."