Wilfried Nancy Will Take Charge of Celtic in the Coming Days - O'Neill

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now appears ready to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second stint in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man that will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a team with some confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."