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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

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

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