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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to wrap up a contract.

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

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, but there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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