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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently appears ready to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"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 equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."