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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a 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 a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

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

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."