Celtic captain Neil Lennon insists former boss Martin O'Neill is an "outstanding candidate" to take over the England job from Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Former Nottingham Forest player O'Neill, who left Celtic last summer to look after his ill wife, is just one of a number of candidates shortlisted for the post to be vacated by the Swede after the World Cup.

Lennon, who worked under O'Neill at Leicester and at Parkhead, said: "I've worked with him for nine years and he's an outstanding candidate for the England job and I'm not surprised that he's the bookies' favourite.

"If he gets the job then I think the England fans are in for a treat. He's the best man-manager that's out there and I think the players will really enjoy working for him.

"He gets players playing for him and one word from him is worth 10 from another person. That's the kind of charisma and aura that he's got."