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

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to secure a first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which 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 much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the breach."

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

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."