Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson will consider leaving the club in January if he does not play more games.
The Scotland international has started just three times this season and boss Gordon Strachan turned to teenager Evander Sno to replace the injured Thomas Gravesen in central midfield for the last two games.
Pearson made a big impact immediately after Martin O'Neill signed him from Motherwell in January 2004 but his first full season was ravaged by injury problems.
And the 24-year-old has been a regular on the bench since Strachan took over in 2005.
Pearson has started 33 games for Celtic, one less than his total substitute appearances.
Ex-Well boss Billy Davies tried to sign him for Derby in August and the midfielder admits a move could tempt him in the next transfer window.
Pearson said: 'I am at the age where I need to be playing games. I have said that all along and the manager knows that as well.
'Obviously, I have been linked with Derby and my old manager - I would need to see how things go. The manager says I am going to be part of his plans.'
The left-sided midfielder ruled out the possibility of getting some first-team experience elsewhere before returning to Celtic Park.
He added: 'I don't think I would like to go on loan, I would maybe rather move permanently.
The £350,000 buy admits he finds his lack of action frustrating when Strachan has nothing but praise for him. But Pearson added: 'It's always nice to hear good things from the manager - it puts my mind at ease. I'm training and working hard.
'But the team comes first and the team are picking up points.'
