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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second spell in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He is the man that will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he takes over a side full of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

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

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

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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