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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

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

This self-belief is a result of the positive run during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."