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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side full of confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We have given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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