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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."