Juninho wants future sorted out

Juninho has questioned why Celtic manager Martin O’Neill brought him to the club after seeing his chances limited at Parkhead.

The Brazil international was again on the bench for the Tennent’s Scottish Cup win over Rangers on Sunday.

The 31-year-old has been linked with Manchester City and Botofago in his home country.

But the former Middlesbrough player, who joined the Hoops in August, believes the transfer window is the ideal time for him to leave.

Juninho told the Daily Record: “The manager has had a lot of chances to put me in his team but it hasn’t happened. That’s wh I feel out of his plans. If that is the case, then this is the opportunity for me to go.

“That would be good for the club and good for me because, if I have no part in his plans, there is no point in remaining here waiting for a chance that never comes. If I have no future at Celtic, then it makes sense for them to let me go because they can use my wages to spend on players the manager does want.”

Juninho also claims he has not had the backing of O’Neill since his move to Glasgow.

“I can’t understand why I am in this situation. When a manager brings a new player to the club he gives that player support. That’s what disappoints me most. Since I came here, I have never had his support – that’s the way I see it.

“It’s a bit strange and, to be honest, I don’t know why I’m here at all. He put me in the team at the beginning but he didn’t give me any time. I’m left to feel that I have never had his support.

“I was very excited when I came here. The supporters were excited as well. That’s why I don’t understand what has happened – there are a lot of questions without answers.”

Despite asking for his situation to be sorted out the Brazilian is still waiting to talk to his manager.

He said: “I said last week all I wanted was clarification but I haven’t received any. He has never even spoken to me since I was dropped.

“But I hope we can clear things up soon. If he says he doesn’t want me here then I will have to find somebody else.”