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.

He said in the Daily Record: “I would be interested in moving away. I just want to play football; all the boys at the club are the same.

“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.”

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.

“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.”