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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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