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

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

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

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."