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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual set to be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."