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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will oversee the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the positive run on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."