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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."