Nancy Will Take Charge of the Glasgow Giants This Week - O'Neill

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man who will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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