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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

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

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to manage the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."