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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now looks set to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team in the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the man set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a team with some confidence."

The team's morale stems from the positive run on the field over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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