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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from the positive run in matches in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish manager and his players were then able to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."