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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

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

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with some confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager and his players subsequently managed to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"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 every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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