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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

The head coach has been part of serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently looks set to complete a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man that will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

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

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

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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