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Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The manager has been involved in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories out of seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game in his return in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle 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."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue in management going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent young coaches alongside me and it's been a new lease on life personally in several respects, working with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the breach."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."