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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

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

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."