🔗 Share this article

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

The head coach has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently looks set to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over four weeks ever since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories out of seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the club to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second spell in charge.

However, O'Neill stated he will lead Celtic for the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I took the role? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat their opponents and Hearts defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the table with a victory during his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course and I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a 3-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to achieve a first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win on their patch was excellent. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

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

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. 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."

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

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