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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his first match as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team with some confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."