🔗 Share this article

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his return in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will lead Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I believed it was over last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game will assuredly be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the table if they win in his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from the interim manager's results in matches over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the former Irish national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We've given the team a chance, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

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

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the breach."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

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