DEMBELE RULED OUT FOR REMAINDER OF SEASON

The 32-goal Celtic striker has been told his season is effectively over due to the injury sustained in the first-half of the 2-0 semi-final win over Sevco Rangers at Hampden on Sunday.

Dembele hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring problem and he was examined by a specialist yesterday.

It’s understood the results showed damage likely to sideline the 20-year-old for around five weeks.

With the May 27 showpiece against Aberdeen falling four weeks on Saturday, the prolific French Under-21 hitman will be forced to look on on as his team-mates pursue the last leg of the treble.

Rather than attempt to rush Dembele back, Brendan Rodgers’ priority will be to ensure that he is fully fit for pre-season training resuming in mid-June ahead of the Champions League qualifiers the following month.

His absence will open the way for Leigh Griffiths to lead the line in Saturday’ s Premiership clash at Ibrox on Saturday.

Rodgers believes the Scotland international forward would seize the opportunity.

The Hoops boss said: “Yeah, he’s fit and available. He came on for Moussa on Sunday and made a really good impact on the game.

“I’m fortunate in that I have two really good strikers I’m happy to stick in and play. With Moussa being out, it’ll give Leigh the chance to come in.

“When he’s on the pitch for a length of time it always looks like he’s going to score. He’s a real threat. From 25 metres in, he’s top class.”