Nancy Is Set to Lead for Celtic This Week - O'Neill

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and 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. Should he desire my input on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."