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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently looks set to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six victories in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the person that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

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

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the positive run on the field in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

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

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

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team 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.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."