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

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the man who will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

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

If Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."