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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently looks set to finalize a deal.

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

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."