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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the person that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side full of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to achieve their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."