🔗 Share this article

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now appears ready to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for more than four weeks ever since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories in seven matches, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act of his second spell in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will oversee the team for Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Nancy steps into the role.

"He's the person that will be taking over," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be the end for me."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It feels like a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Absolutely."

If Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could potentially take Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match of course but I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side full of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss at Midtjylland in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players subsequently managed to claim a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team an opportunity, there are three games left to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam was key for confidence."

Future Ambitions

When asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think about things following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "There was apprehension about failing – that is always a major worry. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I've learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in many ways, interacting with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

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

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

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