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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, achieving six wins in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

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

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the positive run on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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