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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual set to be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a side with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."