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

The head coach has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a team full of confidence."

That confidence is a result of the interim manager's results in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – 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 ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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