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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team full of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to secure their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."