Nancy Will Take Charge for the Glasgow Giants This Week - Martin O'Neill

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is expected to be leading Celtic for this weekend's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now appears ready to wrap up a contract.

Martin O'Neill has served as interim boss for over a month ever since the previous manager departed, notching six wins out of seven matches, reducing the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to a Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached the club between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – would be his final act in his second spell at the helm.

However, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic for Wednesday's Premiership match against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy steps into the role.

"He is the individual who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, but there remains paperwork still to be completed. The Dundee game is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been like a dream," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Absolutely."

Should Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts see off Kilmarnock in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the Premiership if they win in his first match as manager.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course and I wish him all the best. At the very least he's getting a side with some self-belief."

This self-belief is a result of O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the Europa League.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to secure their first victory on the road on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by them," O'Neill said. "That was a difficult match – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, with three matches remaining to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game was a restoration of belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts on if he would like to continue in management going forward.

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

"It was not simple," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent young coaches alongside me and it has served as a refresh for me in many ways, working with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding if he might remain at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Ireland manager stated this is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."