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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently looks set to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to achieve a first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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