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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He is the man who will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team full of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."