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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now looks set to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead the team for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."