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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently looks set to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead the team in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a team full of confidence."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results during games in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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