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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the positive run on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, making it 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, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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