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As stated by interim boss 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 part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side full of confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

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

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."