Wilfried Nancy Is Set to Lead for the Glasgow Giants This Week - Martin O'Neill

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic in the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally and I wish him well. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."