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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."