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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager departed, securing six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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