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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, notching six wins in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game 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 desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."