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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the team to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "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 win away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants 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."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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