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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently looks set to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He is the person that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side full of confidence."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."