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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to complete a contract.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At least he's getting a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

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

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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