Martin O'Neill could be the front runner for the England manager's job following "better news in recent times" of his wife's health.

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn believes the Northern Irishman would need to be sure he could devote the time needed to the job of succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson after this summer's World Cup in Germany.

O'Neill's wife Geraldine is being treated for cancer - her illness forced him to leave the manager's role at Celtic at the end of last season - but his name has been increasingly linked with England.

Quinn told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The first consideration (for O'Neill) would be whether he was able to devote the time to the job. He is a bit of a perfectionist.

"He will not stint in his efforts but the question is whether he can devote the time or energy. I believe there has been somewhat better news in recent times (on his wife's health)."

Quinn continued on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think he (O'Neill) is certainly a very strong candidate.

"He's comfortable in dealing with the press. He'll defend himself. He takes a close interest in what the press says and I know if he were a candidate and being considered for the job he would think quite hard about that aspect of it because I think outside the city of Glasgow the England manager is pretty much top of the pile.

"He is a very clever fellow. Very intelligent. He could fight his way through most arguments and come out on the winning side."