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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently seems poised to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

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

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