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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

The team's morale comes from the positive run in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

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

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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