🔗 Share this article

As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and now appears ready to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, achieving six wins in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that actually occur?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents and Hearts defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a good fixture for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course and good luck to him. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence is a result of O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Irish manager and his players were then able to secure their first away win in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a tough game – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves a chance, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I'll take a little think about things after the match on Wednesday."

"It wasn't easy," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on matters, that's fine. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."