Moritz Jenz has opened up on his "difficult" spell at Celtic before his loan move was cut short.

The defender spent the first half of the season on loan at the Scottish champions from French outfit Lorient. 

While in his first few months in Glasgow, the German enjoyed plenty of game time, that soon dwindled as the World Cup break approached in mid-November.

Carl Starfelt was re-introduced to the side after some injury issues, as the Swede became the main partner for Cameron Carter-Vickers at the heart of Celtic's defence.

The 23-year-old's deal was meant to run for the course of the campaign, with Ange Postecoglou's side obtaining an option-to-buy the player. 

However, Jenz's loan was cut short and he was then immediately sent out to Schalke in the Bundesliga until the summer.

The January arrival of centre-back Yuki Kobayashi proved to the final straw for Jenz and his time at Celtic.

Jenz has started all three games since arriving at Schalke, and helped them to a trio of clean sheets as the look to climb off the foot of the table. 

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Speaking to German outlet Bild, Jenz admitted the way his journey at Celtic Park ended was tough to take.

He said: “In the beginning things went great. I've always played and was a regular player in the Champions League. We were leaders in the league.

"But there are moments when a coach chooses other players to play. Then it got difficult for me. Celtic had a purchase option for the coming summer, and from Lorient's point of view it was becoming increasingly unrealistic that this would be drawn. It was also my clear wish to change clubs.”

Like the Hoops, Schalke have the ability to turn the defender's loan into a permanent transfer in the summer.

Jenz is determined to make that happen. He added: "If I could play this club for more years, that would be awesome for me.

"It's a huge motivation for me to do it. I really want it to work. If you're loaned out twice during a season, you have to have balls."