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

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the table if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."