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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager departed, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he will oversee the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He is the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."