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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team for the midweek Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

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

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – 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 a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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