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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now looks set to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six victories in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the man that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to achieve 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 them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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