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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

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

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, securing six victories out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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