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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will oversee the team for the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person that will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

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

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."