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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He's the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a team with some self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

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 if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."