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Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be leading Celtic for this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now looks set to complete a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will lead the team in the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man who will be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

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

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the positive run during games over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

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

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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