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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second spell in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a team full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to secure their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."