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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently looks set to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will manage the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team with some self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to secure a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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