Jota made his long-awaited return to action for Celtic in a bounce match on Friday afternoon. The 27-year-old winger played 45 minutes unscathed in a 2-0 closed-doors victory over Falkirk at the Lennoxtown training centre.
He had not featured since rupturing his ACL in April 2025, a lay-off spanning 524 days. The specially arranged game was planned during the international break to provide him with key match minutes. Martin O'Neill, who managed the side for the fixture, also gave fringe players and youngsters a run-out.
O'Neill told reporters he expected Jota to be back in the first-team fold around Halloween. The winger had returned to first-team training in late August. His return comes as Celtic sit top of the Premiership with 18 points from seven games, holding a two-point lead over Rangers.
Youth sensation
Seventeen-year-old academy prospect Lucas Clearie stole the show by scoring both goals. The forward, who signed his first professional deal last year, has been in prolific form for the B team, netting 15 times in 13 Lowland League appearances this season. His double highlighted the depth of talent emerging from the club's youth system.
The bounce game served its dual purpose of assessing Jota's fitness and offering valuable experience to emerging players. Celtic will resume their league campaign at Fir Park, where they will look to extend their lead at the summit.
Read the full report at Daily Record Football
