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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the positive run during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Irish manager and his players then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."