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According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to finalize an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his second stint in charge.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic for the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which 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 excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is okay either. It's very much his team the minute he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."