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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories out of seven matches, cutting into 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 the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the positive run on the field in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."