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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently appears ready to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month since the previous manager departed, notching six victories out of seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

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

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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