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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At least he takes over a side full of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the positive run during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the role."

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

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."