Celtic could allow Luke McCowan to leave in January if they bring in another midfielder, according to a new report.

Pete O’Rourke reports that Martin O’Neill is reluctant to lose players during the season, but a replacement arriving could open the door for McCowan to move on.

McCowan has found opportunities difficult to come by in recent weeks, although he returned to action as a late substitute during Sunday’s defeat at Falkirk.

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His situation is particularly frustrating given Celtic’s continuing problems in midfield. The team have struggled to find balance, yet McCowan has rarely been given the chance to help change that.

O’Neill recently confirmed that he had spoken to the former Dundee midfielder and suggested opportunities would come before Christmas.

“There will be opportunities for him to get back in between now and Christmas,” the manager told The Scotsman.

O’Neill also praised McCowan’s work in training and made clear he did not blame him for Celtic’s difficulties.

That leaves time for the picture to change before January.

Celtic are interested in adding a ball-winning midfielder, with greater physical presence identified as something the squad needs.

But bringing in a different type of midfielder would still leave a decision over whether McCowan has a meaningful role.

If the minutes remain limited, the attraction of regular football elsewhere would be understandable. Celtic, though, need to strengthen a struggling area of the team before considering who they can afford to lose.