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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the positive run in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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