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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories out of seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

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

"He's the individual who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there's some formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."