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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him well. At least he inherits a team full of confidence."

That confidence is a result of the positive run during games in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

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

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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