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

As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month ever since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their 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 was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."