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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, securing six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man who will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the table if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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