According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.
The manager has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.
O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.
The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second stint in charge.
However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.
"He is the man set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."
An Unusual Period
"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."
If Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.
"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side full of confidence."
The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.
Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.
Restoration of Confidence
"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."
What Comes Next
Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he desires to continue managing in the future.
"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."
"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."
"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young players every day."
A Potential Advisory Position?
Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.
"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the breach."
TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.
"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."
