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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to oversee the team in the midweek league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."