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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."