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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."