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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently looks set to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."