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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently looks set to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person that will be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game of course and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."