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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the man who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."