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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager departed, securing six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership 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 tough match naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."