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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the man who will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his first match in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast 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's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."