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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he will oversee the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team full of confidence."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to secure a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

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

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

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

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."