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

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will lead the team for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side with some confidence."

That confidence comes from the positive run during games over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the breach."

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

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."