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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than four weeks since the previous manager departed, securing six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At least he's getting a team full of confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past 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 ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

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

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – 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 have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."