Nancy says his side are getting there but they need to have better control of gamesCeltic manager Wilfried Nancy

Wilfried Nancy hailed Celtic’s character after slashing the gap on Hearts – but the Hoops boss wants his side to cut out the chaos.

The Parkhead men moved to within three points of the Jambos after the wild win at Livingston. Celts twice came from behind inside the opening 10 minutes in West Lothian before eventually seeing off the Lions. Nancy was thrilled with the fight but admitted his men needs to have more control. He said: “It was good, a good game, a difficult game to play. I really liked the competitive spirit we had, we came back twice from behind and after that we were able to score four goals.

“We could have had more goals obviously but I liked what we did in the first half. I liked the second half also, what I liked there was defensively we were strong, we didn’t concede. Offensively we could have done better with the ball, we rushed sometimes and what happened it was a chaotic game in certain moments.

“It wasn’t easy but I liked the competitive spirit we had. Step by step I can see what I want to see with my players. The way to attack, how to attack and when to attack. The spirit defensively, tactically but sometimes it’s not about tactics, it’s about fight.

“This is something I like to see also. It has been only two weeks together but step by step I think they are starting to understand what I want. They are doing it on the pitch and enjoying it.”

Benjamin Nygren bagged a first half brace and Nancy revealed he tried to sign the Swede when he was in charge of Columbus Crew. He said: “I am happy for Benji to score, good for him.

“When I was in Columbus I wanted to have him, I tried to sign him. I know him, I know what he can do and think he has big potential.

“He has not reached that yet. He’s not a dribbler but he likes to make runs for his team-mates but also the technique he has.

“He knows he has to be stronger and believe a little more in himself, but I like what I have seen so far. I will challenge him.”

Nancy revealed keeper Kasper Schmeichel will be fit to face Motherwell on Tuesday after missing out at Livi.

Wilfried Nancy(Image: SNS Group)

He said: “Every game is different and the way I am as a coach, they are not subs but solutions. I need to see the team we are going to face, how difficult the game will be and step by step I am getting to know the players better.

“We will see for the next game. Kasper is going to be good for next week.”

Nancy is also keeping an eye on the transfer window opening next week – with defender Hayato Inamura set for an exit on loan to Tokyo FC. The Hoops boss said: “When we have the window it’s the opportunity for each team to improve the team.

“So we will see what we’re going to do, if we’re going to take players and what type of player we’re going to take. Step by step you’re going to get the answer.”

Nygren was delighted to turn up the heat on Hearts at the top.

He said: “It was very important. All games are massive but today they dropped points and we won so we got closer.

“Th manager has been good for me. He’s a great manager and we will keep working hard for him. I heard he tried to sign me – but I came here instead!”