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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with some confidence."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Irish manager and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the role."

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

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