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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 head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish manager and his players were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked 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 has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."