There was a late Christmas present for Jota at Lennoxtown today (Thursday) as he was presented with the SPFL Player of the Month award for November – an accolade that would normally be handed out over the festive period.

Of course, circumstances dictated that the presentation couldn’t go ahead as scheduled, but the fans’ favourite received the award today as part of a double boost this week after making an earlier-than-expected return to the team following injury when he took part in the 2-0 win over Hibernian earlier this week.

November was a busy month for Jota and Celtic, with the Portuguese winger scoring in both UEFA Europa League games against Ferencvaros and Bayer Leverkusen as well as helping his team-mates qualify for the League Cup final with a win over St Johnstone at Hampden.

The award is all about the league, though, and Jota was instrumental in both of Celtic’s SPFL games played during the month.

He scored an instinctive striker’s goal to open the scoring in the 4-2 win over Dundee at Dens Park and then added another with a sublime left-foot touch of the ball for Celtic’s third in the game.

Then on a day of emotion at Celtic Park as the support celebrated the late, great Bertie Auld in a vital 2-1 win over Aberdeen, Jota opened the scoring again for the Hoops.

Five goals in five games in all competitions meant November was not a bad month for Jota, and he plans to have even better ones ahead as you can find out later in his exclusive Celtic TV interview on www.celticfc.com

Late Christmas present for Jota with SPFL November Player of the Month award