🔗 Share this article

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now appears ready to wrap up an agreement.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six wins out of seven games, cutting into the lead at the top in the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's visit to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second spell in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he is to manage the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the man set to be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be dealt with. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, where he has lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to claim their first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he desires to carry on in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was a fear of failure – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That is really for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my input on things, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It's very much his squad the moment he enters the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be ridiculous."