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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with 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 four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with some confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration 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 ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

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

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."