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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team in the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit 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 good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things after 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 just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."