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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second spell in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking 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 responded. "Please don't be stupid."