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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a side with some confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says 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 will have a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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