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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

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

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six wins out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

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

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."