Wilfried Nancy Is Set to Lead for the Glasgow Giants This Week - O'Neill

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager departed, notching six wins in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person set to be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory in his first match as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."