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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently looks set to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team with some confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," 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 this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."