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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now looks set to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

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

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to achieve 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 them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."