Wilfried Nancy seems to have a clear path to become Celtic manager.
Martin O’Neill is looking after things on an interim basis, but the Celts are reportedly hoping to have their new man in charge in time for their next fixture against St Mirren.
An MLS winner with Columbus Crew, Nancy has established a reputation for playing innovative, possession-based football whilst delivering silverware.
But he has no experience in an environment similar to Celtic, so questions are being asked about how this will translate.
With O’Neill having won three of his four games in interim charge, Martin Keown feels that Celtic are risking losing their momentum.
Martin Keown on Celtic replacing Martin O’Neill with Wilfried Nancy
O’Neill says that he doesn’t expect to be given the job on a permanent basis, but he has admitted that he would say yes if asked.
His legendary status at Celtic Park clearly gives him plenty of credit in the bank.
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Speaking on TalkSPORT with Jim White and Simon Jordan, the trio were discussing the Hoops’ reported interest in Nancy.
White asked Jordan his thoughts on Nancy, but he instead stressed that Celtic had to avoid rushing away from O’Neill.
He said: “Well, to, be honest, [Nancy] hasn’t happened yet. I would stick with the status quo with Martin there.
“I wouldn’t be rushing into [going for Nancy] because of what [O’Neill]’s done domestically since he’s taken charge.
“I don’t think there’s too much wrong. I think I would wait longer. I’m looking forward to the seventh of December when Celtic play Hearts, and there’s a really good opportunity to win there, in a really important game.
“There’s a momentum factor here. I wouldn’t want to lose that with Martin in charge, so it’s a difficult decision. I know they want to look long-term, and a lot would go with Martin, and I think they should stick with him.
“Not just because I’ll be on this show every Monday, I was going to be on it anyway. But it’s good to see him back in a job.”
Martin O’Neill’s four games back in charge of Celtic
After O’Neill’s first two games back, most Celtic fans would probably have been happy to see him given the role.
After thrashing Falkirk 4-0 at Celtic Park on his return, O’Neill claimed a deserved 3-1 against Rangers at Hampden with previously unfancied strikers Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand getting on the scoresheet.
The following clash with Midtjylland was a sobering experience – it finished 3-1, but the Danes easily could’ve won by more. It showed that this Celtic team is still a work in progress.
The side responded with a 4-0 win against Kilmarnock at home, but Saturday’s trip to St Mirren will be a trickier fixture on paper.
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