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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now appears ready to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."