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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win in his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a side full of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"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 equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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