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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost a week and now appears ready to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, achieving six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team with some confidence."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."