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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently looks set to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, notching six wins in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

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

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win in his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."