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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now appears ready to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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