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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now looks set to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager departed, notching six victories out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he is to lead the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side with some confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."