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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic for Sunday's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team for the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the man that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to achieve their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."