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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his first match in charge.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to secure their first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

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

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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