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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now looks set to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person that will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results during games in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."