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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins out of seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man who will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there's some paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win in his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course and good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, 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 should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."