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

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now appears ready to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man that will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," he added. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At least he takes over a team full of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."