FORMER Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has backed Neil Lennon to make it in the Barclays Premier League if he chooses to move south of the border.

Republic of Ireland manager O'Neill headed for Aston Villa and then Sunderland after his own spell at Parkhead, and is confident his fellow Ulsterman would be a success in England.

He said: "Why shouldn't he be? He has got really good experience now. He has had the experience of managing what I believe is one of the best clubs in the world.

"He has taken that on and that will stand him in great stead for the rest of his career."