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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now looks set to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six wins out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his return in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the positive run in matches in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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