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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently looks set to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there's some paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side full of confidence."

The team's morale stems from the positive run on the field over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."