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As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Hearts.

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

Martin O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six wins out of seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill revealed he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, but there's some formalities still to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops defeat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At least he takes over a side full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and win on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."