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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership match versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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