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According to 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.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins out of seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his second spell at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the man set to be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could lead his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match naturally and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence stems from the positive run in matches in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, 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 if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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