🔗 Share this article

As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He is the man who will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

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

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