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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He is the man that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the interim manager's results on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."