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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now appears ready to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed the trip to 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 is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man that will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."