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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."