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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now looks set to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the person who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the breach."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."