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

The head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"This has been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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