🔗 Share this article

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

The head coach has been part of serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At least he inherits a side full of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to claim a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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 managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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