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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now looks set to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

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

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table with a victory during his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him well. At least he's getting a team full of confidence."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."