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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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