Rodgers tells Sviatchenko that he is free to leave Celtic

Defender Erik Sviatchenko has confirmed he is free to leave Celtic. The Denmark defender has not featured despite being fit for two months after overcoming a knee injury he suffered during the Champions League qualifiers.

Teenager Kristoffer Ajer has stepped in to partner Dedryck Boyata in central defence in recent matches, with Sviatchenko behind Jozo Simunovic in the pecking order ahead of the January signing of Marvin Compper.

Sviatchenko has confirmed that manager Brendan Rodgers had told him his time was up after two years in Glasgow. “He has told me to find another club,” said the 26-year-old, who has been linked with a move to FC Copenhagen. “Clubs in several leagues have contacted my agent. These are attractive clubs.

“I’ve developed a lot and I’m a far better player now than when I came to Scottish football. I have been happy with my stay in Celtic and Scotland, but I’m also pleased to be able to go to another club.

“I need to play regularly, not least to keep alive my chance of making the World Cup finals in Russia. It’s small, yes. However, it can never be ruled out that some of the established national team defenders are injured.”