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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently looks set to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with some confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."