Killen seeks Hoops exit

Killen: Limited opportunities

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Chris Killen believes he needs to leave Celtic if he is to revive his flagging career.

The former Hibernian striker has made just one appearance for the Hoops this season and is growing increasingly disillusioned with life at Parkhead.

The New Zealand international has only recently returned to training after three months out with a knee injury, but is unlikely to force his way back in Gordon Strachan's plans.

With that in mind, Killen admits he would welcome the opportunity to secure a January switch to the Premier League.

Aspirations

"I would be interested in moving away. I just want to play football, all the boys at the club are the same," he told the Daily Record.

"When you're not playing you're not happy so there comes a time when you need to look forward, whether it's a loan or moving on permanently.

"I would like to go back to the Premiership. I think everybody wants to play there.

"That's the level you need to aspire to but at the moment I need to work hard to get back in the Celtic side."

Focus

Killen is currently battling for an attacking berth at Celtic alongside Scott McDonald, Georgios Samaras, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Shaun Maloney and Cillian Sheridan, and admits the competition for places would make life difficult for anyone.

He added: "Everybody knows how tough it is at a club like Celtic. We have the biggest squad in the league and the best players so it's a tall order to get a starting position and nail it down.

"When we look at the players we have on the bench sometimes it shows how tough it is.

"But things can change so quickly. One week you may not be involved then the next you might be starting.

"I just need to keep working hard, focusing and taking my chance when it comes."