🔗 Share this article

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now seems poised to complete an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager resigned, notching six victories out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will lead Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy takes over.

"He's the person set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win during his debut game as manager.

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

That confidence is a result of the positive run during games in the last month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to claim their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be stupid."