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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager departed, achieving six wins out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

The team's morale stems from the positive run during games over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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