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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 Premiership clash against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than a month since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual set to be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the role."

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

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."