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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 match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team for the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely 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 delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a team with some confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."