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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six wins in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his return in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will oversee the team for the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person who will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."