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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently looks set to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins in seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him well. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."