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

The head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run during games in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated 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 matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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