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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month ever since the previous manager departed, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."