‘IT’S GOING TO BE A SHOCK,’ NANCY WARNED

CELTIC are reportedly in advanced talks with Wilfried Nancy in their search for a long-term successor to Brendan Rodgers.

The 48-year-old Columbus Crew head coach appears to be ready to accept the challenge of leading the champions and bringing an end the club’s near-three week hunt.

Martin O’Neill, of course, answered the call to take over in an interim capacity following the abrupt and acrimonious departure of Rodgers following back-to-back league defeats against Dundee and Hearts.

The charismatic Irishman has given the place a much-needed lift with three successive domestic victories, including the 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final success over Rangers a fortnight ago to seal a place in the Hampden showpiece against St Mirren on December 14.

The one blip has been the 3-1 Europa League loss to FC Midtjylland in Denmark.

PENSIVE…Wilfried Nancy concentrates on Columbus Crew.

The qualities of Nancy, who was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2024 and will cost £2million in compensation, are endorsed by former Scotland international defender Steven Caldwell, brother of ex-Hoops star Gary.

However, the one-time Newcastle and Burnley centre-back also has a word of caution about appointing the Frenchman.

Caldwell, now an MLS analyst, said: “Wilfried’s impressive; a good football guy.

“He’s a student of the game. He’s focused on tactics and patterns of play. He’s a sort of total-football kind of guy.

“And he has had great success. Winning the MLS Cup two years ago was huge. Basically that’s like winning the league.

“To do it with a team like Columbus, even though they had good players, was quite an achievement.

“Before that, his Montreal team had a lot of Canadian internationals such as Alistair Johnston. They had some great success.

“He’s certainly one of the best, if not the best coach in MLS. And he has been for two or three years.”

READY FOR THE CHALLENGE…Wilfried Nancy is frontrunner for Celtic boss job.

However, Caldwell, speaking to the Daily Record, countered with: “Is he ready for Celtic? I don’t know. My personal opinion is it’s a big jump, especially where the club are now.

“What’s going on there, what’s gone on with recruitment? Does he have the absolute best players?

“Is it a great time for the club? I’m not so sure.

“He’s got his work cut out. But he feels like he’s been chomping at the bit for a big European club. It feels like this is the one.”

Looking at Celtic’s transfer policy, Caldwell added: “Nancy has never had the luxury of buying the biggest designated players in the league, which is essentially a European-style transfer format where you just buy whoever you want.

“So, he’s had to wheel and deal in the league. I don’t think you could claim he’s been right down the bottom of the order, but it’s been challenging.

“Is he ready for the pressure? I really don’t know. I mean, who is?

“It’s going to be a shock. You can tell people what it’s like in Glasgow, but until they’re there, they’ll never understand it.

BACK TO THE FUTURE…Martin O’Neill answered the call to return.

“He’s a private guy and doesn’t seem to have a massive ego. He won’t be saying controversial things or getting involved with the politics. He’ll diffuse things not put petrol on them.

“I hope he’s a success. I like him. He’s a good guy. His teams play good stuff and he has great ideas.

“The guys who play for him really like him as a coach and he gets the best out of players.

“Players want clarity and they know exactly what’s expected of them.

“He’s got a distinct style. He always plays 3-4-2-1. So, while there’s movement and fluidity, he rarely plays four at the back.

“That will be interesting because I know Celtic have never really been a back-three team.”

The Hoops are due to play St Mirren in Paisley on Saturday evening. Will Nancy be in the visitors’ dug-out? Or will O’Neill continue in his caretaker role?

One thing is certain – it’s going to be a fairly frantic week ahead for all concerned at the champions.

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