Wilfried Nancy Is Set to Lead for Celtic in the Coming Days - Martin O'Neill

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team with some confidence."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. 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 young coaches alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."