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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the man who will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."