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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently looks set to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six wins in seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will oversee Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. 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."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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