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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results during games in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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