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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the table if they win in his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."