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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the person set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally but I wish him well. At least he takes over a side full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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