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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic in the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run in matches in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."