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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently looks set to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a team full of confidence."

This self-belief comes 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 at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

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

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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