🔗 Share this article

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been part of detailed discussions with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently appears ready to complete a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for more than four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, narrowing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had already said he believed the visit to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to oversee Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match with Dens Park prior to Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual that will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

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

Should Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts see off Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a side full of confidence."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success on the field over the past month or so, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss along with his squad were then able to achieve a first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory on their patch was terrific. We've given the team a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he said. "I will have a wee think on everything following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic as an advisor, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the job."

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

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."