🔗 Share this article

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

The head coach has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now appears ready to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At least he's getting a team with some confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."