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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish manager and his players then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the job."

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

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