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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the team to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."