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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and now looks set to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second spell in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the person that will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the positive run in matches in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager and his players then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh 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 City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."