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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

The manager has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he takes over a side full of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

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

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, 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, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."