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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently looks set to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager departed, notching six wins in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person set to be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."