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

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins in seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his second stint in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to achieve their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."