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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six wins in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against 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 side with some self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

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

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."