Du Wei is returning to Shanghai Shenhua after they refused Celtic's request for an extension to his loan spell.

The defender signed an agreement on September 1 which allowed both parties to sever their links in the New Year.

The 23-year-old was reluctant to leave Parkhead despite making just one first-team start in the now-infamous Tennent's Scottish Cup third round exit at Clyde.

After being hauled off at half-time in that game, manager Gordon Strachan also tried to extend the player's loan period until the end of the season before talking money.

But the Chinese club refused to meet those demands and the player has been ordered to return home.

A Celtic spokesperson said: "Clearly, we're disappointed that an agreement couldn't be reached to keep Du Wei at Celtic.

"Everyone at the club sincerely wishes him all the very best for the future."

Roy Keane is set to continue in defence against Motherwell on Sunday with Stephen McManus suspended and Bobo Balde away on international duty at the African Nations Cup with Guinea.