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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the person that will be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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