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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

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

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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