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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently looks set to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager departed, achieving six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will oversee Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win during his first match as manager.

"It'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 good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with some self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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