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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side with some confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."