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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since the previous manager departed, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there's some paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a 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 a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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