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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently looks set to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to secure a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a little think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which 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 gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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