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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second spell in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with some confidence."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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