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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six wins in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic in the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."