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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager resigned, securing six wins out of seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a part in one's life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his debut game as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with some confidence."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results on the field over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his time as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his team the moment he enters the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."