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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his second stint in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the person who will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from the positive run during games in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."