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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 during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently looks set to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual set to be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this 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 for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."