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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."