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

The manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently looks set to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second spell at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

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

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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