🔗 Share this article

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and currently seems poised to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month since the previous manager departed, securing six wins in seven matches, cutting into Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he thought the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person who will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"This has been surreal," he added. "It's like a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Without a doubt."

If Celtic beat Dundee while Hearts defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his first match as manager.

"It's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results on the field over the past month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

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

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I once joked I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, working with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be allowed his own space. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem either. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking 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 replied. "Don't be silly."