🔗 Share this article

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been engaged in advanced negotiations with the Glasgow club for almost a week and currently appears ready to complete a contract.

O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since Brendan Rodgers stepped down, achieving six wins out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top in the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game of his return at the helm.

However, O'Neill revealed he will oversee the team in the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He's the person that will be coming in," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life where you think 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I happy that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while Hearts see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game in charge.

"It's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a team full of self-belief."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success in matches in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 loss away to the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players were then able to claim their first victory on the road on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given ourselves an opportunity, with three matches left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a reinvigoration for me in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."