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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, notching six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At least he inherits a team full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing 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 reinvigoration for me in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."