MARTIN O'Neill has backed proposals which could see his former club Celtic and Rangers becoming part of a revamped Barclays Premier League.
The league could discuss the possibility of extending to two divisions – including both halves of the Old Firm – during the summer. Aston Villa manager O'Neill believes the duo would become "monumental players" if they decide to move south of the bo
rder.
O'Neill told Aston Villa TV: "My personal thought is that Celtic and Rangers would enhance the Barclays Premier League.
"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.
"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.
"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."
John Carew, meantime, is backing Aston Villa duo Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young to cause even more torment to Premier League defences after warning they will "get better and better each season".
Young carried off the PFA Young Player Of The Year award after a dazzling campaign on the left-wing. Agbonlahor finished runner-up after scoring 13 goals and being a constant menace with his searing pace.
But Carew is confident the pair, who have both forced their way into Fabio Capello's England squad, are capable of moving up to an even higher level as they become more experienced.
The Norway international said: "Gabby and Ashley are doing great and they are quite young still. They will keep on learning – and get better and better each season.
"Ashley has had a fantastic season last year – his first full one at the club – and this one he has been even better. He's just been brilliant for the club, a fantastic signing.
"Gabby has been the same. He has every quality to become a big player. He just needs to continue working and he will get there. But the pair of them will only improve and they have great futures in the game."
O'Neill is optimistic Agbonlahor will be fit for Monday night's clash at home to Hull after missing the weekend draw against Bolton with a hamstring injury.
But the Villa manager will leave it until later in the week to assess the fitness of right-back Luke Young who was also ruled out of the trip to the Reebok Stadium with a foot problems.
O'Neill said: "We would be hopeful of Gabby being fit. He did a wee bit of training on Monday and a bit more (on Tuesday]. With Luke, we will leave him to Thursday or maybe Friday and we will monitor it from there."
