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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now appears ready to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

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

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side full of confidence."

That confidence stems from the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure their first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."