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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently appears ready to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the positive run during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

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

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."