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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second spell at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from the positive run on the field over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve 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 proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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