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

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently looks set to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person who will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic 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 is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he inherits a team full of confidence."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."