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

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he inherits a team full of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to carry on managing in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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