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

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly a week and now appears ready to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be the last game in his return at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic in the midweek league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man who will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could lead his new club to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief comes from O'Neill's success in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad then bounced back to achieve their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."