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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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