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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 fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

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

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."