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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man who will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a team full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."