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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a team full of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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