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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership match versus Hearts.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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