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

The manager has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now looks set to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the positive run on the field over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."