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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will 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 comes from the positive run in matches in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."