Celtic's Nigeria-eligible defender Moritz Jenz plans returning to Germany before window closes

SUPER Eagles-eligible central defender Moritz Jenz has announced that he will be leaving Glasgow Celtic before the end of the current transfer window and returning to Germany because if the lack of first team opportunities in Scotland.

Born in Berlin, Jenz, 23, is on a season-long loan at Scottish Premiership giants Celtic from French side Lorient. He has a Nigerian grandparent, which makes him eligible to play for the Super Eagles and because he has not featured for any German youth team yet, he does not need to undergo any Fifa switch to feature for the Super Eagles.

His career got off to a good start in Glasgow as he scored two goals in seven appearances but of late, it has stalled with Jenz struggling to get playing time. Standing at six feet three inches, Jenz is a threat from set-pieces and can also be deployed as a right fullback, having played there several times.

However, Jenz has not figured in the last eight matches played by Celtic in all competitions and did not make the matchday squad in three of the last four games. Celtic's signing of Yuki Kobayashi and the return to fitness of Carl Starfelt has pushed Jenz further down the club's pecking order of central defenders.

Writing on Instagram, Jenz said: "Dear Celtic family, I’m sad to say that I’m leaving the club after a short time, it’s been for me a fantastic period at the club.  I‘m very proud and honoured to have been a part of the Celtic Football Club. Like I said at the beginning of my time, it was and it has been a dream.

"The fans of Celtic will always have a special place in my heart, they are kind, honest and passionate. I want to thank everyone that works at Celtic, from the staff to the people taking care of us players in the stadium and in the training ground.

"I’m very lucky to have been part of such a fantastic squad of players, it’s really a team and a family everyone is fighting for each other to make history for this great club and I‘m gonna miss them so much. A massive thank you to Mr Postecoglu for giving me the opportunity to play for this fantastic club. It has been an honour to work with him and his team.

Jenz has been heavily linked with a loan move to Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 for the rest of the season with an option to buy included in a loan deal. Born in Berlin, Jenz left Germany and moved to England with his parents at the age of 13 before teaming up with the Fulham academy but he has since played in France and is now back in the UK with Celtic.