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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Premiership match against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins in seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had already said he believed the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will manage Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him well. At least he inherits a side with some confidence."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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