
Martin O'Neill has backed proposals for Celtic and Rangers to join the Premier League.
There has been debate for some time about whether the Scottish giants could enter an English league and the matter is set to be discussed with a range of other issues at the end of the season.
Bolton chairmen Phil Gartside has proposed having a new Premier League system with two divisions of 18 teams, including the Old Firm duo.
Aston Villa boss O'Neill, who spent five years in charge at Celtic, believes it would benefit the English top flight to bring in the Glasgow clubs.
"My personal thought is that Celtic and Rangers would enhance the Barclays Premier League," O'Neill told Aston Villa TV.
"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."
O'Neill accepts that the proposals are likely to face serious opposition and he is unsure whether such a plan could be pushed through.
He said: "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.
"There are processes that would to have observed obviously. It was spoken about a few seasons ago and obstacles were put in the way.
"The idea died at that time and I don't know how strong the possibility is at the moment. I certainly support the idea. But, then again, I could be a voice in the wilderness."

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