🔗 Share this article

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and currently looks set to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, notching six victories out of seven matches, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the man who will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It has been like a dream," he added. "It feels like a part of your life where you think 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his debut game as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a difficult game naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he takes over a side with some confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the interim manager's results during games over the past five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it's been a refresh personally in several respects, interacting with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the breach."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

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