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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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