🔗 Share this article

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager stepped down, notching six victories in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had already said he expected the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the man that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to the radio station. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game naturally and I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a team with some self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first away win in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Forest, so that was a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was excellent. We have given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

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

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