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

The manager has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently looks set to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories out of seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee the team for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side during European competition.

However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

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