Wilfried Nancy questioned on Celtic manager links as he makes ‘humidity’ admission

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Celtic’s vacancy has been linked with plenty of familiar names.

Ange Postecoglou, Craig Bellamy and Robbie Keane are among the faces linked with a Celtic reunion since the job became available.

Whoever comes in has a tough act to follow, with Brendan Rodgers being one of the most successful managers in the club’s history.

For now, the focus is firmly on Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, as interim boss Martin O’Neill looks to build on his winning start.

But elsewhere, other names being linked with the role are being questioned on the rumours – including left-field candidate Wilfried Nancy.

Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy questioned on Celtic links

Nancy is the manager of Columbus Crew in MLS, and has emerged as a lesser-known candidate to replace Rodgers.

The 48-year-old has led the Crew to unprecedented success, doing so with a distinctive style of possession-based football.

READ MORE: Why Robbie Keane ‘deserves’ Celtic chance as Jermaine Jenas claims Hoops fans will love him

Nancy is in the midst of the crucial end-of-season MLS playoffs, and would likely not be available for Celtic until their campaign is over.

Speaking as his side look to take their best-of-three with FC Cincinatti to a decider, journalist Mike Arace brought up the rumours.

He said: “Your name has been tied to a job in Scotland,” to which Nancy nodded.

He continued: “You’ve come up in many reports as a candidate. Is there any comment that you can make right now on those reports?”

Nancy replied. “No, I have nothing to say regarding that. We have a game to play, I have nothing to say regarding this situation.

“It happens a lot, with a lot of humidity, so I cannot comment on any rumours.”

Arace tried, but that will be Nancy’s cards held firmly to his chest.

Would Wilfried Nancy be a good fit for Celtic?

Nancy’s preferred 3-4-3 formation has not often been seen over the years at Celtic Park.

His emphasis on creative freedom would be refreshing for supporters, however. He works on combinations with his players just as much as he does structure.

Nancy was previously assistant to Thierry Henry at CF Montreal, where he worked with Alistair Johnston.

Celtic have been linked with Jacen Russell-Rowe, his current striker at Columbus, where he has won one MLS and one Leagues Cup over almost three years.