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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now appears ready to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person that will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run on the field over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, dealing 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 stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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