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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently looks set to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, securing six wins out of seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side with some confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players were then able to achieve their first away win on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."