Martin O'Neill says Leicester City have been 'phenomenal' in 2015

Former Leicester boss Martin O’Neill believes 2015 belongs to the Foxes – who currently top the Premier League table.

It's been a remarkable turnaround for a side who were bottom on Christmas Day 2014, and are now five points clear at the summit following Saturday's 3-2 win over Everton.

Speaking on Goals on Sunday, O'Neill believes it's now a 'probability' that Claudio Ranieri's side will be competing on the European stage next season.

"[Ranieri] kept their expectation in check, rightly so, just in case they hit a blip and couldn't pull themselves out of it. But he must now think that they can go on and maybe compete in the Champions League," O'Neill said.

"That would be fantastic and a phenomenal achievement, considering where they were. For most of the calendar year, it really belongs to Leicester.

"I think that the owners will be very unwilling, at this stage, to let players go. Now you're in a position where you're not looking over your shoulder and with the probability of European football, you've got to go for [new signings].

"And if you can pick up one or two to give the squad the strength they need for the long push, then why not?"

Romelu Lukaku's goal for Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday proved in vain, but Ireland boss O'Neill remains wary of the Belgian striker ahead of the meeting between the two nations at Euro 2016 on June 18.

"He's had a great season - a lot of goals, and his confidence will be very high now," he said.

"It's taken some time - he was sent out on loan a few times with Chelsea - but he's certainly come good. He's proved value for money."