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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now looks set to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

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

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."