Lennon would understand O'Neill move

Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon believes Martin O’Neill “owes it to himself” to leave for a club like Manchester United if the Parkhead board fail to back his ambitions.

The Irishman has again been linked with a move to Old Trafford and is said to have been earmarked by United’s major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus as the man they plan to replace Alex Ferguson with.

But while this is just speculation, one of his players fears that it is only a matter of time before he does quit Parkhead unless money is made available for him at Celtic.

Lennon told the Herald: “If you are talking about Manchester United or Liverpool, who are going to be challenging for honours not just in Britain but in Europe, and you look at the prestige that goes with it, I know if I were in Martin’s shoes I’d certainly be tempted to do it.

“I think Martin owes it to himself to have a crack at it elsewhere at some stage.

“Ultimately if it can’t happen for him at Celtic, why not? I think he is respected, not just in Britain but in Europe, as one of the best managers around.

“In an ideal world if Martin had the backing (of the board) with money to spend to make a real challenge in Europe, or if Celtic were to play in England, I think there’s no doubt he would stay in Glasgow for as long as possible.

“My own take on it though is that he’ll eventually think ‘okay, enough is enough’.

“I think he’ll say I’ve run my course here, now it’s time for another crack in England or possibly abroad.”