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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team for the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the positive run on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the breach."

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

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."