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

The head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now looks set to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six victories in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the league table while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's trip to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to the top of the table with a victory in his first match in charge.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him well. At least he takes over a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players were then able to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the role."

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

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."