Paul Lambert hails Martin O'Neill influence

Paul Lambert has described Martin O'Neill as one of the finest managers he played under ahead of a Celtic reunion on Wearside this weekend.

Lambert takes his Aston Villa side to the Stadium of Light on Saturday, where they will face a Sunderland outfit managed by O'Neill, who was Lambert's boss during his time with the Bhoys.

The Scot has revealed his high opinion of O'Neill, who he claims has been a mentor to him since moving into management.

"I played under Martin for five years. Martin and Ottmar Hitzfeld (his manager at Borussia Dortmund) are two of the best managers I ever played under," said Lambert.

"They are two different types of people but two of the best managers for me."

Lambert also revealed that O'Neill recommended he took the job at Villa Park this summer, having spent four years with the Midlands club himself between 2006 and 2010.