O'Neill in favour of league proposals

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The league are due to discuss the possibility of extending to two divisions - including the two Scottish giants - during the summer and O'Neill believes the duo would become "monumental players" if they decide to move south of the border.

O'Neill told Aston Villa TV: "My personal thought is that Celtic and Rangers would enhance the Barclays Premier League."

He added: "Glasgow is a phenomenal football city. Celtic house 60,000 fans and Rangers house 50,000 fans every game. I'm not sure about Rangers but I know Celtic's capacity could go from 60,000 to 80,000 overnight, without a doubt.

"When I was manager of Celtic a number of years ago, there was some talk of both teams joining the Premier League in some capacity.

"There was mention of them being put in the Championship too, or maybe even lower down than that, and then making them work their way up through promotion.

"If forced to do that they would eventually get to the top and end up as monumental players in the Premier League. Of course, the sceptics would say 'Why do it?' But I'm talking about enhancement."

The proposals are likely to face serious opposition and O'Neill conceded: "I suppose Belgian teams could then ask to join the Dutch league and Dutch teams could then request to join the Bundesliga. All of those points would have to be considered.

"But, if you're asking for a personal opinion, I think Celtic and Rangers joining would enhance the Barclays Premier League and make us all strive to get better. That's my view."