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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

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

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six wins out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team with some confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "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've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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