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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue managing going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."