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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."