CIVIL WAR LORD

O'Neill: New boss Nancy can rise above Celts fans v board battles

- MICHAEL GANNON

MARTIN O'NEILL insists incoming Wilfried Nancy can rise above the civil war raging at Celtic.

The caretaker manager will continue in his role for tomorrow's Europa League clash with Feyenoord and against Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday before stepping down.

Columbus Crew head coach Nancy is expected to check in on Monday but the 48-year-old will be arriving amid a bitter breakdown between fans and the Hoops board.

O'Neill is convinced the new man won't be dragged into the toxic atmosphere around the club and he can get Celts pulling in the same direction again.

The Parkhead hero admitted it’s a difficult environment right now but said: "It is in that sense but I think that the new manager coming in, he should divorce himself from all those proceedings.

"This is a fresh start for him. He hasn't been party to anything that's happened in recent times.

"So just let's say it was me and I'd never manage the football club again, I'd be saying, 'Yeah, that's got nothing to do with me.