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

The head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he is to oversee the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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