O’Connell made seven appearances for the Hoops at the start of the season, including the Champions League matches against Astana, Hapoel Beer-Sheva and Barcelona.
However, he was pushed down the pecking order following the return to fitness of Jozo Simunovic and the arrival of Kolo Toure.
Rodgers indicated in November that it would be best for the classy defender, who has already had spells at Oldham and him home town club Cork City, to gain more experience.