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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will oversee the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat Dundee and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."