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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person set to be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will assuredly be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side full of confidence."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."