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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership match against Hearts.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."