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

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently looks set to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with some confidence."

This self-belief stems from the positive run during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"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 added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."