🔗 Share this article

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match versus Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of detailed discussions with Parkhead side for almost seven days and now seems poised to finalize a deal.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager departed, notching six victories in seven matches, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the team to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his second stint at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to manage the team in the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He is the individual set to be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought it was over on Sunday, but there's some formalities still to be sorted. Wednesday will assuredly be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally and good luck to him. At least he takes over a team full of confidence."

That confidence comes from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We have given the team a chance, with three matches left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to consideration on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It wasn't easy," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a new lease on life personally in several respects, dealing with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic as an advisor, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill stated. "He should be allowed his own space. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."