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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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