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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now appears ready to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the person set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match naturally and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side full of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."