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

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager departed, securing six victories out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the table with a victory during his first match in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with some confidence."

This self-belief comes from the positive run on the field in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he would like to carry on managing in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I'll take a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he enters the role."

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

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."