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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man that will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team with some confidence."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the job."

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

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."