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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six victories in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team full of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking 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 cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."