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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently looks set to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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