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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a team full of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the positive run during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."