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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month since the previous manager departed, achieving six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second stint in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person who will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team with some self-belief."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win 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."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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