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

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the table if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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