🔗 Share this article

As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six victories out of seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

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

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