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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, achieving six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the positive run on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."