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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he will lead the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team full of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."