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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins out of seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."