Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko has told reporters in his homeland that he has been told by Celtic that he can find a new club this month.

The 26-year-old arrived at the club in a £1.5m deal from FC Midtylland two years ago but after sustaining an injury in the Champions League qualifiers this summer has struggled to get back into the first-team.

The Danish defender remains committed to fighting for a place in his national team with a view of making it to the World Cup finals in Russia. The player has five caps for his country but believes that he would make a shortlist if there were injuries to the favoured central defensive pairing.

Copenhagen were keen on the player in the summer and are expected to return to Celtic with a formal offer that would suit both parties.

"The manager has told me to find a new club," Sviatchenko told the Danish press.

"There have been clubs from several leagues who have contacted my agent.

"These are attractive clubs, so I'm looking forward to my future with optimism.

"My transfer value, of course, falls the less I play, but my qualities as a player don't get worse...on the contrary.

"I feel 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 because I want to still have a chance of playing at the World Cup Finals in Russia.

"I accept it's a small chance, but it can't be ruled out that some of the established national team defenders get injured."