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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now looks set to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts see off 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 Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success on the field over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."