AUSTON TRUSTY has been acting as Celtic’s insider as he has been involved in a quiz with his USA international colleagues on the coaching credentials of Wilfried Nancy.
The 48-year-old Frenchman has spent the past four seasons at MLS outfit Columbus Crew and has emerged as the frontrunner for the Hoops hot seat as Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor.
Martin O’Neill answered the call to take charge only hours after Rodgers’ dramatic resignation and the former gaffer has overseen three victories in his four games before the international break.
It is believed the 73-year-old Irishman held talks with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond in London over the past 24 hours as he sought clarification over his position.
IN THE FRAME…French boss Wilfried Nancy has been linked with Celtic.
Trusty, who is with his country’s squad for the friendlies against Paraguay this evening and Uruguay on Wednesday, admitted the chat with his team-mates had included discussing the speculation concerning Nancy and the champions.
The central defender, speaking to the Scottish Sun, said: “A couple of the Crew guys have mentioned it in the USA camp.
“We haven’t talked too much in depth, but I know he’s a good coach and has had a lot of success.
“They were asking if I’d seen it and I was asking what their thoughts are. That sort of stuff has nothing to do with me, with regards to who the gaffer is going to be.
“If Martin stays, that would be awesome, but I have no control over whoever comes in.”
Nancy’s MLS season is over and doesn’t restart until February and it’s worth noting his No.2 Kwame Ampadu has close links to Paul Risdale, the Parkhead head of football operations.
Celtic are back in Premiership action against St Mirren in Paisley a week tonight, but it is unclear how quickly the Hoops hierarchy will be able to get a permanent gaffer put in place.
Veteran gaffer O’Neill unhesitatingly stepped up after the quickfire exit of Rodgers following back-to-back league losses against Dundee and Hearts.
IN WITH A SHOUT…Martin O’Neill makes a point.
Asked about a timeframe for his interim role, the ex-Republic of Ireland international chief replied: “The short and honest answer is I genuinely do not know.
“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.
“The gentlemen involved can very easily make up their own minds about people without me interfering in any aspect. I said that I would do it until they found that replacement.
“Is that possible for next week? I genuinely do not know.
“My job was to come in and hold the fort and the minute that someone is appointed, I will step aside.
“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.”
Responding to conjecture he could still be in place by the time the holders face Steven Robinson’s Paisley side in the Premier Sports League Cup Final on December 14, O’Neill added: “That really doesn’t matter.
“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.”
PRE-ORDER NOW AND GET £5 OFF! Celtic Confidential is the stunning new book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book will be available later this month. Order a copy now and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. Be among the first to receive this sensational publication. Just click the image.
