Killen 'interested' in Celtic exit

Published on Tuesday 6 January 2009 11:15

Celtic striker Chris Killen is ready to quit Celtic in a bid to secure regular first-team football.

The former Hibernian forward, 27, has played just once for the Hoops this season, though he has only just returned to training following three months out with a knee injury.

Killen has been linked with a January move to Hearts but the New Zealander would prefer a switch to the Barclays Premier League, where he began his career with Manchester City.

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

"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."

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."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Artur Boruc has been urged to leave Scottish football by Poland goalkeeping coach Andrzej Dawidziuk.

"Celtic obviously believe Artur is one of the best goalkeepers in the world," said Dawidziuk, responding to reports Boruc is wanted by Newcastle.

"That's why they have kept their faith with him this season, despite all of the events in his life on and off the field.

"If that wasn't the case, Celtic would have replaced him long ago.

"It's clear that Gordon Strachan wishes to keep him. But I really believe that, for the sake of Artur's career, he should play in a bigger, more demanding league.

"If Newcastle make an offer for him, and Celtic accept it, then I think he should take the chance with both hands. He is at a stage where he needs a new challenge."