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

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to manage Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he inherits a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."