Republic of Ireland international Liam Scales has been too busy playing and preparing for games to do much homework on Celtic's new manager but he is excited about what lies in store under Wilfried Nancy.
The Frenchman’s appointment was confirmed less than an hour before kick-off against Dundee on Wednesday as Celtic brought down the curtain on the interim reign of Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney with a seventh win in eight games.
Scales was asked after the 1-0 victory whether he had been doing his research on the 48-year-old Nancy, who has arrived from Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew.
"No, I haven’t had time," the defender said. "It’s been so busy. Obviously we know bits and pieces but we can’t get ahead of ourselves.
"We need to focus on the games that we have and now is the time where we’re going to have to really focus on the tactical changes and whatever he wants us to do.
"It’s hard to do homework on someone you’ve never met because you don’t want to create a false idea of them. It’s better just to wait and really learn from them in person."
Nancy arrives ahead of a crucial run of games. Celtic will go top of the William Hill Premiership if they beat Hearts on Sunday. They then host Roma in the Europa League before facing St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup final.
"It doesn’t get much bigger than the week he has come in," Scales said.
"It’s probably ideal. You want to come in and be part of massive games and he has a chance to win a trophy early on.
"If you come in and do well over the next three games, it’s the best way you can start a job. We’ll be doing our best to make that happen for him because we want to be successful as a team."
Scales has been one of Celtic’s most consistent players this season and continued his excellent form under O’Neill.
In a video posted on social media, the 73-year-old hailed Scales in his final post-match address to the players. The former Republic of Ireland boss described Scales’ season as "phenomenal".
Scales said of O’Neill: "He’s been really good. It’s been a positive four weeks or five weeks. We’ve won a lot of games.
"We’ve obviously won a cup semi-final and won an away game in Europe as well. They were big wins. It’s just been really enjoyable and positive.
"In the game now, the defenders are on the ball a lot and you need to link play. But to go back to basics and just be told that you need to win your headers, you need to win your duels, I’ll keep that with me."
Scales could be set for a modified role given Nancy’s preference for a back three.
"I’ve played in back threes, I’ve played in back fives, I’ve played in back fours," the 27-year-old said. "I just want to be in the team. That’s all I care about."
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