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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins in seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."