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

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories out of seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team with some self-belief."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."