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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the team to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Absolutely."

If Celtic beat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory in his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."