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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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