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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the team to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

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

If Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results on the field in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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