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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the man who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players subsequently managed to claim their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."