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

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently looks set to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from the positive run on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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