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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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