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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now looks set to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."