Wilfried Nancy Is Set to Lead for the Glasgow Giants This Week - 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 head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

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

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."