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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with some confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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