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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six wins in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team full of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."