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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."