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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team for the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a side with some confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results in matches over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."