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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he's getting a side full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."