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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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