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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now appears ready to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results during games in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

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

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast 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's been a refresh personally in several respects, working with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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