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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team for the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win during his first match as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a team full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

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

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