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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."