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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will oversee Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."