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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now looks set to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six wins in 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 the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will oversee the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he's getting a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the breach."

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

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."