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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person who will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results on the field over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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