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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

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

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