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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the person set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and good luck to him. At least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."