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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager and his players were then able to claim a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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