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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to manage the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the interim manager's results during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad 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 lost by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."