Wilfried Nancy Is Set to Lead of the Glasgow Giants in the Coming Days - O'Neill

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

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently appears ready to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person that will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."