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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic for Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

The head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now appears ready to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person that will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a team full of confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."