🔗 Share this article

As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be leading Celtic during Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and now appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, achieving six wins out of seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his second stint in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over last weekend, but there's some paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been like a dream," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos see off Killie on Wednesday, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his opening fixture as manager.

"That's a good fixture for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally but I wish him well. At least he inherits a team with some self-belief."

That confidence stems from the interim manager's results on the field in the last five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to achieve their first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his team the moment he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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