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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person who will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything 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 a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."