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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager departed, securing six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to manage the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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