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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

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

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory in his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence is a result of the positive run on the field over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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