🔗 Share this article

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for this weekend's Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and now seems poised to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager departed, securing six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage Celtic in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be coming in," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

Should Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos see off Killie in midweek, Nancy could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a side full of self-belief."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Irish manager and his players then bounced back to secure a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and win on their patch was fantastic. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a wee think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he added. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."