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

The head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus 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 side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."