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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now looks set to complete a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to claim their first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."