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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now appears ready to complete a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person that will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

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

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results in matches over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."