According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.
Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now looks set to wrap up a deal.
Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.
The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.
But, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.
"He's the man that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."
A Bizarre Experience
"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."
Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table with a victory during his first match in charge.
"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with some confidence."
That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during European competition.
Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.
A Confidence Boost
"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."
Thoughts on the Future
Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue in management in the future.
"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."
"It was not simple," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly 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 refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."
A Potential Advisory Position?
On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.
"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."
Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.
"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."
