🔗 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 clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been part of advanced negotiations with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and currently seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers resigned, notching six victories out of seven games, narrowing the lead at the top of the league table while also steering the Parkhead outfit to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had already said he thought the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

But, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the man that will be taking over," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed it was over on Sunday, however there remains formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops defeat Dundee and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win during his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a challenging fixture of course but good luck to him. At least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

That confidence comes from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a hard fixture – a few weeks before they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he desires to carry on in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I will have a little think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – that is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

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

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. If he wants my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that's not a problem at all. It becomes his team the moment he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."