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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with some confidence."

That confidence is a result of the positive run during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the job."

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

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."