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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At least he inherits a side full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. 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."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

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

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."