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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to secure a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."