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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the job."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."