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According to interim boss 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 serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."