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

The manager has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for almost a week and now appears ready to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person who will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he's getting a side full of confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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 stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."