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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories out of seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team a chance, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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