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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

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

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