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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, notching six wins out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

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

"He is the individual set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

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

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