Wilfried Nancy set to take charge of Celtic this week | OneFootball

Wilfried Nancy is expected to take the Celtic reins in time for Sunday’s Premiership clash with leaders Hearts, interim manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed. The Columbus Crew head coach has been locked in advanced talks with the Glasgow club for several days and is now close to finalising his move to Parkhead, as reported by BBC Sport.

O’Neill, who returned to the Celtic dugout on a temporary basis following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation more than a month ago, will oversee Wednesday’s league fixture against Dundee before stepping aside. The 73-year-old has overseen an impressive revival during his short second spell, winning six of seven matches and guiding Celtic into the Premier Sports Cup final.

“He is the man that will be coming in,” O’Neill said. “I thought it was over on Sunday, but there’s some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game.”

Nancy could inherit a team in buoyant form. Celtic’s upturn has seen them close the gap on Hearts and claim a long-awaited European away win at Feyenoord last week, reigniting hopes of progressing from their Europa League group.

Should Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy’s debut could offer the chance to send his new side top of the Premiership. O’Neill, reflecting on a whirlwind few weeks, said he has relished the unexpected return but insists the club must now fully back the incoming manager.

“It’s been surreal… am I delighted that I’ve done it? Absolutely,” he said. “But it is very much his team the minute he steps in.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle