Celtic manager Martin O'Neill believes Rafael Benitez has a great chance of leading Liverpool to Premiership glory in his first season as manager.

O'Neill, whose Celtic side line up against Liverpool in America on Monday, reckons the Spaniard could have an immediate impact at Anfield and finally end the Reds' long wait for the title.

"Rafael Benítez's record at Valencia is absolutely fantastic," he said. "It's big news that Steven Gerrard is staying, Michael Owen too.

"The boy (Djibril) Cisse's arrived and they've got plenty of good players remaining from Houllier's reign. I would not discount Liverpool."