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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will lead the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the positive run on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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