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

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team in the midweek league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

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

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him well. At least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the positive run on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

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

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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