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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than a month ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At least he takes over a side full of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the job."

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

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