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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic for this weekend's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to oversee the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with some confidence."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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