🔗 Share this article

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now looks set to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."