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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Irish manager and his players then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

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

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."