Shane Duffy is due to cut short his loan spell with Celtic before the end of the domestic season, according to reports emerging on Thursday.
The Scottish Sun have it that Duffy returns to Brighton and Hove Albion after a poor spell with the Parkhead club.
The Republic of Ireland defender cost Celtic a £2m loan fee, as well as in the region of £30,000 per week in wages.
The move began promisingly as he scored in his first two games, but tailed off as form and fitness began to desert the Derryman.
Shane Duffy
Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman was quick to defend Shane Duffy in his press conference ahead of the Ireland match against Serbia last month.
"Shane Duffy is a warrior. Shane Duffy is a leader," the captain said.
"I think all us Irish people have seen that over the years with his performances.
"Listen, he's not had the most easiest [of] times up in Scotland, but I've watched the games that he's played but I don't think Shane Duffy's the reason things are going the way they went up there [in Scotland].
"There's been a lot of other reasons, I'm sure, for it.
"I don't know if he'll mind me saying this or not but, Shane Duffy's Dad passed away last summer. And not long after his Dad died he was straight back out on a plane to Brighton, and straight up to Celtic.
"They're the little things that I don't think people take into account.
"I don't know would he have even have had the opportunity to mourn his Dad properly? Because this football bubble feels so important... yeah you've got to get back to work, yeah you've got to get back to Brighton.
"For me, I think a lot of that has got to be taken into account too.
"And I think we've all got to bear that in mind, that this lad would do anything for his club or his country.
"He doesn't sulk, he's a great character around the place. He's a warrior.
"He had a tough time and jumped on a plane to get back to work, maybe quicker than most people would.
"But Shane Duffy's done enough - he's got enough credit in the bank for this country to keep supporting him, as media and as players."
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