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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories out of seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to manage the team in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the man that will be arriving," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over 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, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."