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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

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

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, achieving six wins in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to claim their first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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