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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently looks set to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

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

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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