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

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his return at the helm.

But, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person who will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At least he inherits a team with some self-belief."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, working with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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