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FILIPE JOTA’S last Celtic appearance was in the 5-0 triumph over Dundee United at Tannadice when the champions sealed their fourth successive title on April 26 last year.

There is no chance of the flamboyant Portuguese winger making a long-awaited and welcome return in the crucial run-in to the current turbulent campaign.

Jota will see an entire term obliterated following delicate surgery on the cruciate injury that saw him leave the Tayside venue on crutches almost a year ago.

There are now widespread suggestions the 27-year-old fans’ favourite’s playing career is over.

However, interim-manager Martin O’Neill was quick to dismiss the ill-informed rumours and said: “Jota’s been out for a long time. In his rehab, he’s had a couple of setbacks.

“Just when he thinks he’s going great, he gets a bit of a setback.

“I would be hoping that whoever is going to be in charge of the football club that Jota would be ready for pre-season. That’s what I would be hoping for.”

Attempting to...