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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 clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager departed, securing six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the team to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a team full of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players were then able to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."