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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the man set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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