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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the team to a League Cup final spot.

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

Yet, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual set to be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part 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 the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he's getting a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."