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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee the team for the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team full of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."