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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently looks set to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second spell in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."