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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership clash against Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side with some confidence."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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