Republic or Ireland manager Brian Kerr admitted tonight that Colin Healy might have to leave Celtic at the end of the season to safeguard his own international future.
The Cork-born midfielder has started just three times for his club this season, but he has amazingly surpassed that playing for his country.
Celtic turned down an approach from Everton during the January transfer window and he has expressed a desire to leave for regular first-team football.
With the international future of Roy Keane still unresolved an opportunity at the top level is beckoning for Healy - but the Irish boss would be happier if he left.
Kerr said: "He hasn't been a key player for me because I've not had the team, but he has been a key player at under age level.
"The fact that he's not playing matches is disappointing for him. Celtic have got a good squad and a lot of excellent midfield players and, on a personal level, I'd prefer people to be starting in the team than on the bench.
"It's an uncertain time for him and concerning for me, and from his point of view he has got to get into the Celtic team certainly for next season.
"I don't think it's selfish, it's about Colin playing and he's good enough to play in somebody's first team so the answer is yes, he might have to go.
"Martin O'Neill doesn't think he is good enough for Celtic and who am I to say anything about his evaluation of his own players.
Kerr opens up his new tenure as Republic boss against Scotland at Hampden Park on Wednesday having replaced Mick McCarthy.
Birmingham defender and captain Kenny Cunningham is almost certain not to play, Newcastle United's Andy O'Brien missed training after playing for his club yesterday while Blackburn Rovers star Damien Duff is already ruled out.
Kerr has described his first match as manager as "special" - but he insists that qualifying for the European Championship finals in Portugal remains his ultimate goal this year.
PA