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As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual who 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 sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the table if they win during his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a team full of confidence."

That confidence stems from the positive run on the field over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to claim their first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, with three games remaining to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of 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 at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."

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

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