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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been unreal," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."