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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

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

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

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

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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