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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He is the man set to be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side full of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."