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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the man who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has 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 Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

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

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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