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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently looks set to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, notching six wins out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person who will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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