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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently looks set to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team in the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his first match in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."