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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At least he's getting a team with some confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."