🔗 Share this article

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, notching six wins in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to oversee the team for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person set to be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat their opponents and Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence is a result of the positive run in matches over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned much. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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