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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."