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

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of serious talks with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second spell in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will lead the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"This has been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him well. At least he's getting a team full of confidence."

The team's morale comes from the positive run during games in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management in the future.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."