🔗 Share this article

As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost a week and currently appears ready to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, notching six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his second stint at the helm.

However, O'Neill stated he will manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual set to be taking over," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will assuredly be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he inherits a team with some confidence."

That confidence comes from the positive run in matches over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to secure their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three games remaining to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "I felt 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 have learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, dealing with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his team the minute he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

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