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According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now appears ready to complete a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the team to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will lead the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? 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 Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, 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 the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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