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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person that will be coming in," 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 will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table with a victory during his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a little think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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