🔗 Share this article

As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in the midweek league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."