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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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