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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently appears ready to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second stint in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the positive run during games in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish manager and his players were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

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

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."