🔗 Share this article

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for over four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he believed the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will oversee Celtic in the midweek Premiership match against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man set to be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from O'Neill's success in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss at Midtjylland during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

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

"I have learned a lot. I've got some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."