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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he will oversee Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."