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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second stint in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual who will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence is a result of the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first victory on the road on the continent since 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 few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I will have a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."