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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six wins out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person that will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

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

If Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a team full of confidence."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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