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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

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

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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