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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a team full of confidence."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results on the field over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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