Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan could be on the lookout for a new club after his club manager suggested he didn't see him as a leader for Hearts at midfield.
The news will alarm Ireland boss Mick McCarthy, who has regularly picked Whelan at midfield despite former boss Martin O'Neill signalling his international career was at end in November 2018.
Ireland face Slovakia in a Euro 2020 play-off semi-final on 26 March.
Daniel Stendel took over the hotseat at the Scottish Premiership's bottom club earlier this month and selected the Irish veteran for his first three games in charge.
However, the 35-year-old did not feature in the St Stephen's day derby defeat to Hibs and is not expected to be involved against Aberdeen on Sunday.
Stendel suggested to The Scotsman that the 85-cap international, who joined on a free transfer from Aston Villa during the summer, is one of a number of players he might move on.
"I can say he is a good type. He wants to take the responsibility but I have seen only three games. Do you have the feeling he is a leader in this group? It's not Glenn’s fault – but a real leader in the centre of the pitch? Sorry. Maybe I missed it. Michael Smith tries to take responsibility on the pitch.
"Before I came here, they signed some players who have experience and are the right age to take the responsibility but maybe they are not fit at the moment or they cannot handle the situation at the moment."
