Nancy Will Take Charge for Celtic This Week - O'Neill

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the positive run during games in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to secure a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing in the future.

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

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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