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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership clash against Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"That'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's getting a side with some confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success in matches in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."