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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."