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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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