Celtic “stand a greater probability” of retaining the Scottish Premiership with Martin O’Neill’s appointment as supervisor till the tip of the season, in line with former Northern Eire worldwide Stephen Craigan.

O’Neill stepped in as interim boss of the Glasgow membership following the departure of Brendan Rodgers in October, successful seven of his eight video games in cost.

The 73-year-old made means for Wilfried Nancy, who was appointed everlasting boss in early December, however the Frenchman’s ill-fated reign lasted simply 33 days, with six losses in eight video games, together with defeat to St Mirren within the League Cup closing and a league defeat to Rangers on the weekend spelling the tip.

O’Neill, who gained seven trophies together with three league titles throughout his first stint at Parkhead between 2000 and 2005, steps again in with Celtic six factors behind leaders Hearts, however Craigan feels that if anybody can flip issues round and unite the membership after a turbulent interval, it’s the former Northern Eire captain.

“Martin is a person who is aware of learn how to win video games of soccer, he is an skilled head and has numerous youthful coaches about him who will do all of the work, so he could have the phrases of knowledge,” Craigan, who spent the vast majority of his enjoying profession at Motherwell, advised BBC Sport NI.

“He is superb with the press, however the greatest attribute he has is the flexibility to unite everybody on the membership.

“The Celtic followers over the previous three or 4 weeks have been singing in opposition to the board, however you may assure after they play Dundee United at Celtic Park on Saturday they are going to be singing Martin O’Neill’s identify as they adore him.

“If they’re to win the league, Martin in cost provides them an excellent probability. Hearts are high of the desk and Rangers at the moment are three factors forward of Celtic, having been eight or 9 factors behind at one stage, so it units it up completely.”