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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 Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now appears ready to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, notching six wins in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he's getting a team full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We have given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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