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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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