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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 for this weekend's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second stint in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the person who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with some confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim their first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."