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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

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

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club 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 the last game of his second spell in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about 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 a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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