Celtic

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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

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As Celtic look to step up their search for a manager, there is no escaping the name Wilfried Nancy.

The Columbus Crew head coach has emerged as the hot favourite with bookmakers for the job vacated by Brendan Rodgers and currently being filled on a temporary basis by Martin O'Neill.

Frenchman Nancy has never managed in Europe, but has had success during his time in North America with FC Montreal and now Columbus.

Scottish football writer Gordon Waddell believes Celtic may be turning their attention to Nancy because a move for Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna would prove too expensive.

"Virtually every manager that either Celtic or Rangers ever appoint will be a risk to a certain extent," Waddell told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"There's this notion from both sets of supports that 'we deserve the best' and you're only going to get the best if you pay for the best.

"So you're not going to get a Jurgen Klopp to come in or McKenna down at Ipswich, it's going cost them £5m to pay his release and also then an extraordinary set of wages and bring his staff. They're not going to do that, they won't pay that money.

"So they have to think outside the box, but there's where you find the risk for any number of reasons.

"Nancy's philosophy seems to sync very well with the way Celtic think they should play. But as we found out with Russell Martin at Rangers and various others who have been in these jobs over the years, ultimately your philosophy doesn't matter if you're not winning games and not winning titles.

"So it's going to be an interesting recruitment process. From what I can gather, he is very much in the thick of it and has a fair chance of getting the job.

"There are a lot of questions and I'm not sure what Celtic's answer is because there's not an obvious choice for them this time."

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Celtic defender Alistair Johnston hopes to put the toughest spell of his career behind him after undergoing hamstring surgery.

The Canada right-back has played just five games in an injury-ravaged season and made an aborted comeback against Sturm Graz last month.

Interim boss Martin O'Neill said earlier this week Johnston required an operation and will be out "for a long time".

"These past few months have been as challenging as any for me personally since my career began," Johnston, 27, said on Instagram., external

"With that being said, I'm happy to say that I successfully underwent surgery today to repair my hamstring and hopefully this will be the first step in putting this injury behind me for good.

"Thank you for the support during this time and I can't wait to be back fully fit later this season for a title push and a home World Cup."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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One of the first things to impress onlookers, apart from his style of football, is the speed of Celtic-linked Wilfried Nancy's rise to prominence.

The current Columbus Crew head coach landed his first managerial job in 2021, taking over from his friend and former boss Thierry Henry at CF Montreal. Not bad for a man who, just a few short years earlier, was coaching Under-14 girls.

It appears Nancy, 48, is no stranger to a steep learning curve, as ESPN broadcaster and former USA striker Herculez Gomez explains.

"He has an idea of how he wants to play, it's very brave, it's very nuanced," said the American.

"It's very New Age, modern football, if you will, but in a crazy, mad scientist way. That's who he's been from day one, and it's really gone well.

"I say meteoric rise because 2021 is when he got his first professional stint as a manager, and since then, he's collected a few titles. Canadian Championship, MLS Leagues Cup, MLS Cup."

Born in Le Havre, France, in 1977 to a father from Guadeloupe and a mother from West Africa, Nancy is already something of a trailblazer.

"He was the first black head coach in the history of Major League Soccer to win a title," Gomez explained.

"They'd never had a black coach lift the MLS Cup, and he did it with a certain type of brand, and I guess the best way to describe him is he's brave in his football.

"Speak to his players and they'll say the result is secondary. Secondary because he wants to implement the brand first, and the rest follows."

Read more: 'Next Luis Enrique' - who is Celtic-linked Nancy?

Celtic have joined Sunderland in monitoring midfielder Hossam Essadak, who captained Morocco to the Under-20 World Cup title last month. (TeamTalk), external

Jay Lefevre is to leave his post as head of scouting operations at Celtic for a move to English Championship side Swansea City. (The Herald - subscription required), external

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

At the blackjack table of Scottish football, having already lost a £40m Champions League qualifying gamble, the Celtic board are now faced with a dilemma: stick or twist?

As they ramp up the search for Brendan Rodgers' successor, they're sitting with a pretty decent hand already.

Interim boss Martin O'Neill has done what was asked of him: steady the ship, stem the flow of losses, lift the squad out of their torpor.

It has worked, on the domestic front at least. Two league wins and the gold-dust of a cup semi-final defeat of Rangers.

Coming up short against the best side in the Europa League, on current standings - and on their own patch - wouldn't set off too many alarm bells, regardless of how poor Celtic were in the first half in Denmark last week.

So what to do? Keep O'Neill until at least the Premier Sports Cup final he steered the side into? Possibly keep him until the January transfer window, which would be the first opportunity for any new coach to inject fresh blood into the place?

Would the Parkhead blazers even contemplate keeping O'Neill until the end of the season, to give the permanent incomer a clean slate and summer rebuild?

It may all come down to which candidate Celtic plump for, and their availability.

Kjetil Knutsen of Bodo/Glimt has been linked with the job several times across many years. He's about to finish his season in Norway but there's the complication of Bodo's Champions League involvement to consider as well.

They wrap up the Norwegian Eliteserien at home to Fredrikstad on 30 November. They're a point off leaders Viking with two games to go.

Bodo's season doesn't end there, though. They won't be finished in Europe's elite competition until a trip to Atletico Madrid at the end of January.

Prior to that, Knutsen's men have glamour games against Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. Would the in-demand coach, having taken the side to the Champions League proper for the first time in their history, really want to forgo the chance to test himself against Pep Guardiola and co?

Should he want to see out the season in full, he wouldn't be available until February.

The other name gathering lots of chatter for the Celtic job is Thierry Henry's former assistant at Montreal, Wilfried Nancy.

The former centre-back from France's second tier has been making waves with Columbus Crew in America's MLS. His assistant Kwame Ampadu has ties with Celtic's head of football operations Paul Tisdale from their time together at Exeter City. The season has ended for Columbus, so the pair would be available immediately.

Which brings us back to stick or twist. Keep O'Neill for a few more weeks or months? Keep him until Knutsen's availability kicks in at some point? Or gamble on Nancy, whose reputation is growing but is untested in European football?

It will be fascinating to see where the chips fall.