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

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual set to be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."