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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the team to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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