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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now looks set to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager departed, securing six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side full of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

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

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – 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've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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