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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic during Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his first match in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he inherits a team with some self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches left 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 time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice 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 role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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