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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 Scottish Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

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

However, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

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

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the role."

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

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."