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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to manage Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person who will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side with some self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, 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 will have a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."