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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally but I wish him well. At least he inherits a side full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager and his players were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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