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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now appears ready to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager resigned, achieving six wins out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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