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

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to complete a deal.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since the previous manager departed, achieving six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his return at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he's getting a side full of confidence."

That confidence is a result of the positive run during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

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

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the breach."

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

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."