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

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his first match as manager.

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

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

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

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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