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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results in matches over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim a first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."