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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."