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

As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the table if they win in his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side full of confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."