Wilfried Nancy Will Take Charge for Celtic in the Coming Days - Martin O'Neill

As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been unreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the interim manager's results on the field over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."