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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now looks set to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At least he inherits a side full of confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."