LET'S GET PACKIN'

O'Neill issues crowds plea

- MICHAEL GANNON

MARTIN O'NEILL has backed Celtic's bid to claim the Broomloan Stand and he also wants Hoops fans to pack Parkhead again.

Record Sport revealed on Monday Hoops chiefs are set to demand a bumper away allocation for next month's Old Firm Scottish Cup showdown at Ibrox. O'Neill also expects SFA rules to be applied to allow travelling supporters up to 20 per cent of the stadium, while Rangers await Celtic's official request ahead of negotiations between the clubs.

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson and chairman Brian Wilson are also set to get around the table with fan groups this week - in a bid to broker peace between the parties.

A large section of supporters boycotted last weekend's Cup victory against Dundee and tensions remain amid calls for Nicholson to step down and the Green Brigade's ban to be lifted.

O'Neill is hoping for a resolution as his side head into crunch time in Scotland and in Europe.

He said: "It's really important. If there is going to be some communication, debate, whatever, I am really hopeful something positive can come out of it.