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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager departed, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the interim manager's results on the field 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 Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given the team an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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