Ex Portugal striker Jorge Cadete was a goal machine for the Hoops in a short spell between 1996 and 1997

Jorge Cadete says he is still the toast of Celtic fans nearly 30 years on from his stunning stint at Parkhead.

And the former striker is confident that current Hoops winger Jota can become the next Portugal star to become a household name in the east end of Glasgow.

Jota made his return to competitive action for the first time in 18 months when he appeared off the bench in last week's 2-0 away win against Motherwell - with the former Portugal youth international serenaded by fans after the full-time whistle.

The wide man will not be available for Martin O'Neill's side tonight when they face his former club Benfica in the second round of matches in the revamped Europa League group stage, having not been included in the squad for the competition.

After being snapped up for a meagre £400,000 from Sporting Lisbon, Cadete banged in 38 goals in just 48 appearances for Celtic between 1996 and 1997, scooping up the Premiership golden boot in his only full season in Glasgow.

However, following a dispute over a new contract, the forward fell out with then Hoops owner Fergus McCann, and was branded as one of the 'Three Amigos' alongside fellow volatile stars Pierre van Hooijdonk and Paolo Di Canio.

The Euro 1996 participant initially cited mental health problems in Scotland and after going AWOL from training, left the club to join Celta Vigo in Spain for £3.5million.

But the 58-year-old - who later turned out for Partick Thistle in 2004 after spells with Bradford City and Estrela da Amadora - insists Celts supporters still adore him and hopes that compatriot Jota will be remembered in a similar vein further down the line.

Speaking to Bola Branca ahead of the clash at the Estadio Da Luz, Cadete said: It's always gratifying to know that Celtic fans haven't forgotten me.

"They contact me almost every other day. I was only there for 12 months, not seven or eight years, which surprises a lot of people.

"They are Scottish, but the British... their culture is to play to win. They don't play with strategy, they don't play to draw. They play to score and win. And that's what Celtic will do."

On Jota, he added: "He had already proven his quality before leaving for Saudi Arabia and he's going to really shake things up for the team.

"A player with more time at the club always has more opportunities to ensure the fans don't forget him."

Asked if he can go down as a real great at Celtic, Cadete replied: "Of course, without a doubt, he already is."

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