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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

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

"He is the man set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a team full of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim their first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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