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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

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

"He's the individual that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At least he's getting a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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