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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed 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 is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the man that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

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

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

What Comes Next

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

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."