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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results on the field in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."