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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six victories in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to achieve their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."