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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run during games over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've 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 prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."