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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."