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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership match versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

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

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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