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

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at 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 a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."