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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him well. At least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, 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 said. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great 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 at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if 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 replied. "Please don't be stupid."