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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager departed, securing six victories out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."