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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will lead the team for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a team full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."