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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and now appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, but there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a team full of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager and his players then bounced back to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."