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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now looks set to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month ever since the previous manager departed, securing six wins in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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