Martin O’Neill has admitted Jota may not be ready to complete the full game against Kilmarnock as the winger makes his first Celtic start in 561 days.

Jota’s last start came in Celtic’s 5-0 title-clinching victory at Tannadice on April 26 last year. He was forced off after 35 minutes before it was later confirmed he had suffered a cruciate ligament injury.

He has gradually worked his way back into action this season, but O’Neill’s comments before the Kilmarnock game make clear that Celtic are still building his fitness.

Asked what he hoped Jota could provide, O’Neill said: (CelticPlayer), “What I hope he brings? I think all that trickery that he possesses, you know, that ability to go past players, the ability to make some crosses as well too.

“And while he might not last the game, in that sense, he’s building up his fitness week by week. I just hope that he makes an impact in the time that he’s on the field.”

The decision to start Jota is one of the standout calls from O’Neill following Thursday night’s 3-2 Europa League victory over Beşiktaş.

Instead, O’Neill has turned to Jota as Celtic look to attack the visitors from the outset.

The manager made that intention clear before kick-off.

“We’re obviously going to try and press as much as we possibly can,” he said.

“But secondly, we want to come and attack here at Celtic Park.”

For Jota, the afternoon represents his biggest test yet since returning from the long-term injury.

O’Neill is prepared to give him that opportunity from the start, even if Celtic are not yet expecting the winger to handle a full 90 minutes.