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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the person set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."