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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."