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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic for Sunday's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will oversee the team in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."