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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now appears ready to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six victories in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team for the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."