🔗 Share this article

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."