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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the man who will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the table if they win in his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a team with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was 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 managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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