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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now looks set to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

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

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from the positive run on the field in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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