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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership match versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second spell in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young people 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 Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."