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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 during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match as manager.

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

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."