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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, achieving six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

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

"He is the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."