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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over a month since the previous manager departed, securing six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He is the man that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Irish manager and his players were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the job."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."