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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently looks set to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee the team for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team full of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."