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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently looks set to finalize an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."