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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the team to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

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 in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect 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 once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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