Celtic

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

The reaction to the interim stewardship of Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney being extended at Celtic for another few days at least has been fascinating to watch.

A meltdown among some fans, incredulous that the club's top target Wilfried Nancy must have turned the job down. A shrug of the shoulders from others, along the lines: "In O'Neill we trust".

There need be no panic among those wishing to see the speedy unveiling of the club's next permanent manager. One glaringly obvious thing seems to have been missed in all the zealous speculation: Nancy needs a work permit.

Without it, he can't take a training session in the UK, never mind a Premiership match.

So even if the deal is done for the Frenchman and his backroom team - including which of the existing Scottish coaches might be joining the new staff - Celtic must await the Home Office paperwork before he can take his place in a dugout.

Which will involve the extra hoop of a Scottish FA 'governing body endorsement for Tier 2 (Sportsperson)' in order to obtain the relevant visa. There may also be an independent panel needing to be convened to consider Nancy's skills and experience if he doesn't meet the initial criteria for the work permit.

So could we be in for a scenario in which Celtic announce the deal is done for Nancy to succeed Brendan Rodgers pending the arrival of the relevant government and SFA paperwork?

This is where the safe pair of hands comes in. It's almost certain O'Neill will take charge of Saturday evening's trip to face St Mirren, a dress rehearsal of next month's Premier Sports Cup final.

Is there a scenario in which O'Neill is still interim Celtic manager at Hampden? Possibly, owing to the fact Nancy has just completed a full season in MLS and is due some kind of holiday or a break.

Should he - or his new employers – feel he needs to recharge the batteries before jumping into the hotseat, then the O'Neill-Maloney team is already in place.

The next few games would be quite the baptism of fire for any new Celtic manager. Away to St Mirren, Feyenoord and Hibs. After that, a run of three home games: Dundee, league leaders Hearts and then Roma in the Europa League.

Then it's the first final of the season, the showpiece O'Neill steered Celtic to with that much-needed morale boost against Rangers.

There's a feeling among some in the support the 2003 Uefa Cup finalist deserves another shot at silverware. If the board - and perhaps Nancy - agree then O'Neill's interim stewardship could last several weeks longer than he, or anyone else, was expecting.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden

"Somebody at the edge of the box actually told me, 'Time, take a touch.'"

Thankfully, Kieran Tierney couldn't hear his team-mate and his misguided shout.

The Celtic left-back, brought on at right-back, let rip from 25 yards to send Scotland into a stoppage-time lead over Denmark on the most marvellous of nights in Mount Florida as World Cup qualification was secured.

"It's surreal," the Scotland goalscorer said.

"I've never really scored a goal just as important as that. What a feeling it was for the country, for the fans, for the staff, for everyone, for the team.

"I think we all deserve that with how hard we work and what we've been through these last few years.

"I think getting to the World Cup tops it off for this group because it's something that we hadn't managed to do before and we went out there and done it the hard way."

For a few magnificent moments, it seemed like Tierney was going to be the hero... but Kenny McLean had other ideas.

"I don't care, honestly because the last five minutes was dragging in," he added.

"As long as we got through, I honestly didn't care. I'm buzzing.

"I ran into the dugout and everybody was out, the subs, the staff, the coaches, and I think that shows one of our biggest strengths as a team is the togetherness.

"Through good times and bad, we're always there for each other, we want the best for each other and I just said before the game, everyone here is important.

"The people who come on, the people who don't come on, the starters, the staff, and we need to give our all. I think this team, we all do that and that's one thing we can say."

Celtic are continuing to make progress in the pursuit of Wilfried Nancy after kicking off compensation talks with Columbus Crew over their head coach. (Daily Record), external

Wilfried Nancy, who remains in advanced negotiations with Celtic about becoming their manager as the Scottish champions look to buy out the final year of the French head coach's contract with Columbus Crew, was recently approached by Reims, Saint-Etienne and Rennes. (L'Equipe), external

Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is of interest to Fulham amid major doubts over Marco Silva's future, despite the Portuguese being offered a new contract with his current deal running out at the end of the season. (Football Insider), external

Celtic are working to bring in a new centre-forward in the January transfer window and Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy is likely to utilise the Major League Soccer market if he is appointed manager. (Football Insider), external

Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov has revealed he was paid £227 per week when he first joined the club from CSKA Sofia in 1999 for £2.8m, but the low wage was still three times more than he had been earning in Bulgaria. (The National), external

Celtic have revealed that they have been hauled in front of Glasgow City Council's safety advisory group on Thursday because their Green Brigade ultras flouted their stadium ban by attending this month's match against Kilmarnock. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Tino
Fan writer

All signs point towards Frenchman Wilfried Nancy being the man to lead Celtic into a new era, but it looks like we'll need to wait that bit longer before the news is confirmed.

His pending appointment has certainly divided opinion among the fanbase - but tell me a manager in world football who wouldn't.

That's the way it goes at Celtic, rightly or wrongly. Martin O'Neill? Too old. Kieran McKenna? Too expensive. Jose Mourinho? Past his best. Pep? Overrated…

There are few in the game would receive universal sign-off from the fans, and that's just the way it'll always be.

And don't let anyone tell you after the fact they always "knew" Ange Postecoglou was going to be a guaranteed success in Glasgow.

But back to Nancy - and to what he may bring to the party if a deal is indeed done in the coming days.

Like many I've spent the last week or so reading articles, watching YouTube videos, and poring through as much content as I can on a man who can only be described as charismatic, ambitious and extremely intriguing.

But one thing that intrigues me almost as much as Nancy himself is the type of appointment Celtic seem to be making here.

This isn't some safe, traditional pair of hands, familiar to us from his time in the English Premier League or even the Championship.

Similarly it isn't someone plucked from the 'decent reputation and supported Celtic as a kid' category either.

This is an innovative, forward-thinking, progressive coach, who fully embraces the modern practices of data and analytics so prevalent among the top clubs.

So does that mean that maybe - just maybe - Celtic too are dragging themselves kicking and screaming into the modern footballing stratosphere?

A glance down the M8 at Hearts and their seriously exciting Jamestown Analytics model tells us we're in danger of slipping behind if we don't act fast. And though we're maybe later to the party than we should be, surely this is an encouraging sign of what could lie in store.

Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, and of course Nancy isn't even in the building just yet – but the signs are there that if he's deemed the man for the job, we could be set to witness a whole new ball game at Celtic.

Vive la revolution!

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

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Simon Donnelly believes Celtic are in "safe hands" with Martin O'Neill as the club reportedly attempt to secure Wilfried Nancy as permanent manager.

Former boss O'Neill took over following Brendan Rodgers' resignation and has been in the dugout for four games so far, overseeing two league wins, a League Cup semi-final victory over Rangers and a Europa League defeat to Midtjylland.

"I think it's in safe hands with Martin and the coaching staff," ex-Celtic forward Donnelly told BBC Scotland.

"They've come in and showed they can get a reaction out of the team. Celtic fans would probably be more comfortable with who's in charge at the moment and if that has to be for a little bit longer then so be it."

O'Neill has said he will be "happy to still be here" for the Premiership game away to St Mirren on Saturday if required.

And with the League Cup final against the Paisley side looming on 14 December, Donnelly would like to see the 73-year-old given the opportunity to be in charge for the Hampden showpiece.

"That would be great," he added.

"I think after the European game there were a lot of people wondering when the next guy would be coming in but then Celtic bounced back with a good result against Kilmarnock.

"On a whole, the performances have been decent and he's held in high regard with the fans. I think they'll be quite comfortable with him leading at the moment.

"Having listened to his post-match interviews, I don't think he wants to be there for too long but if they keep winning it would be nice to see him lead the team out in the final."

Image source, Getty Images

Celtic are edging closer to securing Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy as their new manager after a weekend of talks with a view to getting a deal over the line before the Scottish champions' annual meeting on Friday. (Daily Record), external

Uruguay capped forward Diego Rossi could be Wilfried Nancy's first signing should he become Celtic manager, with the 27-year-old Columbus Crew top scorer hinting he would like to return to Europe at the end of the current Major League Soccer campaign. (Daily Record), external

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Michel-Ange Balikwisha made a memorable debut for DR Congo, with the Celtic winger netting in a penalty shootout against Nigeria to help book a World Cup intercontinental qualifier place.

Balikwisha came off the bench in extra-time as the African play-off finished 1-1 in Rabat, Morocco.

The 24-year-old then found the top corner with a spot-kick as DR Congo prevailed 4-3 on penalties.

They join Bolivia and New Caledonia at the six-team inter-confederation tournament which will provide the final two qualifiers for next year's World Cup.

The winner of the second leg of the Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates and the best two third-ranked finishers from the third round of Concacaf qualifying will complete the field for the March event.

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Celtic centre-half Liam Scales set up a goal for Troy Parrott for the second game running as Republic of Ireland scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner in Hungary to secure a World Cup qualification play-off place.

Scales rose to meet a high ball into the penalty box to head into the path of Parrott, who stabbed the ball home with seconds remaining to secure a 3-2 victory.

The two had also combined for Parrott to score the opener in last week's 2-0 win over Portugal and his hat-trick in Puskas Arena means the Irish leapfrog Hungary into the runners-up spot behind the Portuguese in Group F.

Portugal made sure of qualification with a 9-1 hammering of Armenia.

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Former Scotland defender Steven Caldwell believes Celtic will be getting one of the best coaches in Major League Soccer if they appoint Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy but describes the potential move as "a big jump". (Sunday Mail), external

Nancy could look to bring Crew striker Diego Rossi, 27, to Celtic. (Record), external

Crew wing-back Max Arfsten would respect Nancy's decision to join Celtic if it came to pass. (Herald - subscription required), external

Celtic right-back Colby Donovan left the field on a stretcher as Scotland Under-21s beat Gibraltar on Saturday. (Sun), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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Liam Scales enjoyed his best night yet in a Republic of Ireland shirt as his chances of making it to the World Cup took an unlikely turn for the better.

The Celtic centre-back was deployed at left-wing-back in Thursday night's famous 2-0 victory over Portugal, which keeps their hopes of securing a World Cup play-off place again.

He and his team-mates head for Hungary on Sunday knowing a repeat would clinch a play-off spot, which seemed unlikely at the beginning of this camp.

"For me personally, it's the best night I've had in an Ireland shirt," the 27-year-old who nodded down the assist for Troy Parrott's opener said.

"The game-plan paid off. We wanted to be solid, we wanted to catch them on the counter-attack, we wanted to be good at set-pieces, and that's what won us the game.

"It's a great feeling. We know we're only halfway there and we've got to do the same on Sunday, but we'll enjoy that.

"It will be a night that'll be remembered, so it's amazing to be part of that."

It's been a difficult year for Scales at international level – the Portugal game was his first start since the 5-0 Nations League defeat by England last November, in which he was sent off for a second bookable offence.

However, he was not found wanting in his country's hour of need and relished the opportunity to prove himself all over again.

"It's an amazing feeling," he added. "Starting a game for Ireland is the best, the highest it gets, for me anyway. Being able to sing the national anthem on the pitch, I'm just glad I got to do that again.

"I'm happy with whatever role I have in the squad. It's all about us doing it together as a unit. If I can help in any way possible, I will.

"Sunday's the big one. We wanted to be in with a shout going into the second game and we are.

"That's the best possible outcome we could have had."

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Columbus Crew have granted permission for head coach Wilfried Nancy to speak to Celtic over their managerial vacancy, with the Scottish champions having already held talks with his representatives and believing he is open to a switch to Glasgow. (Sky Sports), external

Celtic are in advanced talks to secure Nancy, 48, as their new manager, with major shareholder Dermot Desmond making the Columbus Crew head coach their number one target. (Record), external

Nancy has been recommended by Celtic's head of football operations Paul Tisdale. (Herald - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Auston Trusty backs Nancy's credentials but Celtic's United States defender would be happy if Martin O'Neill's interim tenure at the club lasted longer. (Sun), external

Celtic hope to have their new manager in place before the end of the November international break. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Finland goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has not ruled out leaving Celtic on loan as he continues to find himself second choice to veteran Kasper Schmeichel. (Kymppipaikka), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Charlie Mulgrew has stressed the need for a quick resolution to Celtic's managerial search as the club reportedly close in on Wilfried Nancy.

Columbus Crew head coach Nancy is said to be in advanced talks over taking the reins from Martin O'Neill, who has spent four games in caretaker charge, winning three.

"I just think something needs to be done quick," said former defender Mulgrew, who plays for Celtic in the Scottish Masters tonight - live on BBC Scotland.

He added: "If it's Martin O'Neill staying on then get that done till the end of the season. And if it's not, let's get somebody in quick to move forward with transfer planning and all that type of stuff so all players are settled and know what's happening.

"The quicker it happens, it gets rid of the uncertainty. January is a big window and that needs to be taken into consideration.

"Probably players need to move on that are not getting game-time and some players need to be brought in.

"So to do that you need somebody there that's capable of signing players in the Celtic way in terms of everybody together in the process of what type of players they're trying to get to maybe to sell for the future or certain players to come in and make an immediate impact.

"January's a big window so they need to get the appointment right so it can all align together and the right signings are made."

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Columbus Crew's French head coach Wilfried Nancy, 48, is in advanced talks to become Celtic's new manager. (Record), external

Nancy has refused to respond to reports suggesting he is being considered for the vacancy at Celtic. (Herald - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tull has said Nancy is "locked in" for next season. (Record), external

Celtic will likely have to pay Columbus Crew a multi-million dollar compensation package if they want to land Nancy and his coaching staff, according to US experts. (Glasgow Times), external

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin would be surprised if Nancy became Celtic manager. (Herald - subscription required), external

Celtic have been holding talks in London this week with various targets as they continue their search for a new manager, with Nancy, Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen and Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna among the names being considered. (Sky Sports), external

Former Celtic striker Robbie Keane has reiterated he remains focused on his work at Ferencvaros amid links with the Scottish champions' manager's job. (Record), external

Japan forward Daizen Maeda has informed Celtic of his desire to depart in the January transfer window, with Brentford, Everton, Leeds United, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers all interested in the 28-year-old. (TeamTalk), external

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, 39, has revealed he expects to hold talks in February about a new contract with the Scottish champions. (Sun), external

Liam Scales drew praise from Republic of Ireland supporters after the Celtic defender set up the opener in Thursday's 2-0 win over Portugal. (Sun), external

Celtic could be in line for a sell-on fee in January for Kristoffer Ajer, with Wolfsburg linked with interest in the Brentford centre-half. (Sky Sports), external

Former Hearts sporting director Joe Savage believes Celtic still have enough in their squad to pip his old club to the Scottish Premiership title. (Record), external

Veteran former Celtic winger Gary Mackay-Steven, 35, can still be a game changer at Ross County, says manager Tony Docherty. (Press and Journal), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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Interim boss Martin O'Neill says he has no idea if he will still be charge for Celtic's return to action after the international break and insists he would "gladly step aside" for a new manager.

The 73-year-old has been at the helm for four games following Brendan Rodgers' resignation and Celtic have been reportedly been interviewing managerial candidates in recent days, with Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy heavily linked.

"The short and honest answer is I genuinely do not know," the Northern Irishman told BBC Radio Ulster when asked if he'd still be in charge for next Saturday's trip to face St Mirren.

"I am not party to anything that is happening with the board talking to prospective clients and things like this, nor do I want to be because that's never been a remit of mine since I left Celtic [in 2005].

"The gentlemen involved can very easily make up their own minds without me interfering.

"I said I would do it until they found that replacement and that is possible before next week [against St Mirren] but I genuinely do not know.

"My job was to come in and hold the fort. The minute someone is appointed, I will step aside and if it was tomorrow, I would gladly step aside.

"It's not a problem. It's nothing to do with any sort of ego or anything like that. It's just to help out in the very, very short term."

O'Neill guided Celtic into the Premier Sports Cup final with a 3-1 extra-time win over rivals Rangers and there has been suggestions he should remain in charge for the 14 December showpiece against St Mirren.

"That really doesn't matter," said O'Neill. "I am a romantic and have been a romantic all my life. I know the history of football and all of those particular things but that doesn't bother me one jot."

We asked what is the one thing you would change at Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Stephen: The lack of transparency from the board. Speak to the fans for crying out loud, we're the ones who fund your whole operation but are consistently treated with contempt and gaslit whenever we raise issues and concerns.

Joe: Simple, scouting and recruitment. We have signed some rank rotten players in recent years. Can someone please explain to me why Celtic were monitoring Michel-Ange Balikwisha for around 18 months before splashing out big money (by Scottish standards)?

Dan: Truthfully think we have to modernise our whole operations model. It's all well and good being the best run club in the world, having £80/90m in the bank and doing nothing with it. You have to look across the wider spectrum of football and see the strides others are making by utilising new analytical tools etc. As the game moves on and evolves, we have to do the same. However, in order for us to do this, we will have to move on a few of the dinosaurs in the boardroom.

John: Modernise the footballing department.

Fred: There should be an experienced former player, such as Martin O'Neill or Pat Bonner, on the board to oversee football strategy. An 'old head' in the stands has a better overview than a manager in the dugout.

Prentice: Transparency between the board and fans would go a long way, especially around the transfer market. Celtic miss out on a lot of players and usually we hear rumours of disorganisation from the board or attempts to undercut a team with our offers. A clear transfer policy and rationale behind the decisions that are made would help fans to have faith the board are putting our best interests first. At the moment, it feels as though there is a lack of ambition or just sheer incompetence from the board.

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Celtic centre-half Liam Scales set up the opening goal as Republic of Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 to keep alive their hopes of World Cup qualification.

Scales met a corner swung to the far post and his header across the face of goal was met by Troy Parrott for the first of the AZ Alkmaar striker's double in Dublin.

Ireland's win, during which Portugal forward Ronaldo was sent off, prevented the visiting group leaders sealing their place in the finals as Group F winners.

With one game remaining, Portugal lead Hungary by two points, with the Irish one point further back.

Hungary host the Irish in their final game on Sunday as Portugal host Armenia.

Caleb Akpo-Young
BBC Sport Scotland

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Former Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley believes Martin O'Neill has earned the right to lead the club in the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren next month.

Interim boss O'Neill guided Celtic to a 3-1 extra-time win over rivals Rangers in the semi-finals and has overseen 4-0 league victories over Falkirk and Kilmarnock, with the sole defeat on his watch coming away to Europa League leaders Midtjylland.

"Since Martin's taken over, it's been very entertaining, very attacking minded," Ledley told BBC Scotland.

"His substitutions have been spot on as well, which I think we lacked at the beginning of the season.

"He's done nothing wrong at the moment. Obviously Celtic are struggling in the Europa League. It's a big test playing in that competition.

"But domestically he's been fantastic."

Asked whether O'Neill should be charge for the final on 14 December, Ledley added: "I definitely think he should be.

"That's down to the board to decide. I'm sure Martin would probably like to have a final and he deserves it.

"They were magnificent against Rangers, especially in the first half. We just never know in football what will happen. But the board will be looking at candidates.

"Martin has been a breath of fresh air for the club.

"All players are buying in as well. You can see that they look happy. It looks as if there's a lot of pressure off them and it's free-flowing football as well."

Ledley will be playing for Celtic in the Scottish Masters at the P&J Arena in Aberdeen. Watch live coverage on BBC Scotland on Friday, 14 November at 19:30 GMT.

It has been a turbulent start to Celtic's title defence with managerial upheaval and patchy form.

Martin O'Neill has steadied the ship since taking the reins on an interim basis following the shock resignation of Brendan Rodgers last month.

Uncertainty remains over who will replace Rodgers long term, while Celtic have narrowed the gap on Premiership pacesetters Hearts to seven points with a game in hand.

The international break provides the chance to pause for breath and reflect after a frenetic few weeks at Parkhead.

So, if you could change one thing about Celtic's season so far, what would it be?

Let us know here.

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Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum backs Nick Walsh's decision not to send off Celtic defender Auston Trusty in the recent Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers. Trusty appeared to catch goalkeeper Jack Butland's head with a foot. (Sun), external

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, 39, will not discuss a potential extension to his stay at Celtic until later in the season. (Record), external

Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti has withdrawn from the Tunisia squad before their trio of upcoming friendly matches. (Sun), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip