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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for almost a week and now seems poised to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit 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 expected the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the person who will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I've done it? Absolutely."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It will be a tough match of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results in matches in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to claim their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."