MACIEJ ZURAWSKI has been urged to quit Celtic in a bid to keep his international career alive.

MACIEJ ZURAWSKI has been urged to quit Celtic in a bid to keep his international career alive.

Poland manager Leo Beenhakker has watched his star striker spend most of this season on the sidelines at Parkhead after falling out of favour with Gordon Strachan.

And he believes the time has come for Magic to try and negotiate a move away from the SPL champions so he can lead the line for his country at the Euro 2008 Finals in the summer.

The Hoops ace captained the Poles in their successful qualifying campaign and the 31-year-old will be asked to spearhead the attack in Austria and Switzerland.

But his lack of first-team action is becoming an increasing concern for Beenhakker.

Zurawski has made only one start, with injury problems at the beginning of the season allowing Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Scott McDonald to form what is now the preferred partnership.

Chris Killen and Derek Riordan have both also featured ahead of him in recent weeks, prompting speculation he could make a January move to MLS side LA Galaxy, with Germans FC Nurnberg also said to be interested.

Beenhakker reckons any move will be beneficial if it means he will be playing regular top-team football.

He said: "The club you play for and the league or continental competition you are exposed to are important factors.

"But what matters most is that he plays football on a regular basis, the level is not really the problem.

"I think if Maciej were to accept a move to America, he'd find it a good level. The MLS is a good, developing league and Galaxy are a good side with some excellent individuals.

"Compared to sitting on the bench at Celtic, I know what I would choose."

With Strachan possibly looking to increase his attacking options during the transfer window, it could make Zurawski's first-team return even less likely.

But it appears any move for Scotland star James McFadden could be doomed. Celts have been linked with the Everton player, but the Goodison club say they haven't heard from anyone at Celtic and aren't looking to offload him.

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness said: "I haven't spoken to the manager, but no approach from Celtic has come through me or the club.

"James McFadden is under contract to Everton and we have made it clear we don't want to sell him."

One man hoping there will be no new arrivals in attack is top scorer McDonald.

The striker is loving life at Parkhead since his £750,000 switch during the summer from Motherwell.

And he said: "Christmas has come along so quickly and it has probably been the busiest in my career. The games have been coming thick and fast and, hopefully, if things keep going, it's going to be a Christmas to remember.

"This is probably the most important part of the season. It's crunch time and we realise this is the period that can win or lose you leagues."