🔗 Share this article

According to caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six wins in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated 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 revealed he is to manage the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man who will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed it was over on Sunday, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will assuredly be my last match."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally but I wish him well. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale is a result of the positive run during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to achieve their first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given the team a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

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

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

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was a fear of failure – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be stupid."