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As stated by caretaker manager 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 engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

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

Should the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a team with some confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve their first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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