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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."