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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he expected the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a team with some confidence."

The team's morale comes from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."