As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.
Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.
Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.
The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second spell in charge.
But, the interim boss disclosed he will lead the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.
"He's the person that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."
An Unusual Period
"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."
If the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.
"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally but I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a side with some confidence."
This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.
However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.
A Confidence Boost
"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."
Future Ambitions
Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue in management in the future.
"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."
"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."
"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young people daily."
A Potential Advisory Position?
On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Nancy.
"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the role."
TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.
"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."
