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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic in the midweek league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he's getting a side with some self-belief."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."