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 for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the man set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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