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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run during games in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when 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."