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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."