SVIATCHENKO TOLD BY RODGERS TO FIND NEW CLUB

CELTIC defender Erik Sviatchenko last night confirmed that he has been told he is free to leave the Parkhead club.

Despite being fit for two months after overcoming a knee injury he suffered during the Champions League qualifiers, the Danish international centre-half has failed to feature for Brendan Rodgers’ first team.

Norwegian teenager Kristoffer Ajer has stepped in to partner Dedryck Boyata in central defence for the Scottish champions in recent matches, with Sviatchenko now behind Jozo Simunovic in the pecking order, following the signing of Marvin Compper from RB Leipzig.

And Sviatchenko confirmed yesterday to TV3 Sport in Denmark that manager Rodgers had told him his time is up after two years in Glasgow’s east end.

‘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, so I’m looking forward to my future with optimism. 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 a small chance, yes. ‘However, it can never be ruled out that some of the established national team defenders are injured.’ Copenhagen were keen on the player in the summer and are expected to return to Celtic with an formal offer. Sviatchenko (left) was signed by former Celtic boss Ronny Deila from FC Midtjylland in a £1.5million deal in January 2016.