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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."