🔗 Share this article

As stated by interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture versus Hearts.

The head coach has been engaged in serious talks with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month since Brendan Rodgers resigned, securing six victories in seven matches, reducing the lead at the top in the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the match at Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to lead the team in the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual that will be arriving," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there remains formalities still to be dealt with. The Dundee game is certainly my final game."

A Bizarre Experience

"It has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I've done it? Most certainly."

If Celtic defeat their opponents while the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"It's a good fixture for Nancy versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of confidence."

That confidence stems from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland during European competition.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks earlier they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To go to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves an opportunity, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration on if he would like to carry on in management in the future.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "There was apprehension about failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, dealing with young players daily."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill said. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his squad the moment he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking if O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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