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

The head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person who will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side full of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to claim their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the breach."

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

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."