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

As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now appears ready to complete a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

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

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to achieve their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

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

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

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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