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

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month ever since the previous manager departed, notching six wins in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the table if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. 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've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the job."

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

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