🔗 Share this article

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now looks set to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager departed, achieving six wins in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second spell in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person who will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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