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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results in matches over the past five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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