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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a team full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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