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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 Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six wins out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a team full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the positive run on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – 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 much. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."