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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he will oversee Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents and Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."