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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 against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the team to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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