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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories out of seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead 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 and 2005, had already said he believed the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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