Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has admitted that Colin Healy has rejected a new deal at Parkhead.
The Republic of Ireland international is widely tipped to succeed Roy Keane in a midfield berth under Mick McCarthy.
But the 22-year-old is still unable to break into the Hoops first team and has turned down a new deal at the club.
O'Neill said: "We have offered Colin an extra couple of years to his contract.
"But for the right reasons - footballing reasons - he has said what is the point at the moment?
"He doesn't want to be sitting in the stand. He doesn't want to be 13th man - he wants to play and I respect that totally.
"I respect his wishes and, if I could guarantee him a place in the side or a fair number of games, that might be a different matter."