Celtic’s hunt for a permanent manager could make serious progress over the international break.
Martin O’Neill suffered his first defeat in interim charge against Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday, raising doubts over his likelihood as a permanent solution.
Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna, Kjetil Knutsen and Robbie Keane have all been linked with the vacancy at Celtic Park.
But another name in the frame, Wilfried Nancy, has just had a huge update to his availability after his season was cut short earlier than he would like.
The Columbus Crew boss was in action in the first round of the MLS play-offs on Saturday, against FC Cincinnati.
Celtic manager target Wilfried Nancy loses in play-offs with Columbus Crew
Nancy has been reported as a surprise member of the Hoops’ shortlist to permanently replace Brendan Rodgers.
The 48-year-old Frenchman has won two trophies at Columbus, earning plaudits for his fascinating style of play.
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Nancy was questioned on his links to Celtic, insisting that he was fully focused on navigating the end-of-season play-offs with the Crew.
But the Cincinnati tie, which was played in best-of-three format, saw Columbus fall at the first hurdle of the MLS play-offs, making him instantly available for the Hoops.
Cincinnati, who finished in second place in the regular season table, won the first leg in Ohio 1-0, before Nancy’s side thrashed their opponents 4-0 in the return game, setting up a decider.
With aggregate scores irrelevant, it was winner takes all on Saturday. Celtic-linked Jacen Russell-Rowe opened the scoring for Columbus, but Brazilian striker Brenner turned the game around for the hosts.
The game was a farewell for Columbus captain Darlington Nagbe, also once linked with Celtic. But many of their fans are also now wondering if it will be Nancy’s last.
With the international break fast approaching, we could be about to find out.
The length of Nancy’s contract is not known, but the Crew now facing several months without competitive action, a move would be fairly straightforward.
Candidates to become Celtic manager
Many had been content with O’Neill and Shaun Maloney potentially taking over, after a stunning first week which saw them defeat Falkirk and Rangers.
Knutsen’s potential availability could make him a serious candidate – given his success on the European stage, he would be a more attractive option than Nancy.
McKenna’s availability is less clear, given his lucrative, long-term contract at Ipswich. For Celtic to tempt him away would be quite something.
We know it won’t be Ange Postecoglou or Craig Bellamy, as neither is available to come to the club immediately.
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