Celtic handed encouraging Jota update after behind-the-scenes Lennoxtown insight

The Portuguese attacker played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors bounce match against Falkirk at Lennoxtown this week, his first taste of 11-v-11 action since suffering a serious knee injury in April 2025.

With several Celtic players away on international duty, Mulgrew’s son Joshua was invited to train alongside members of Martin O’Neill’s first-team squad and saw Jota’s progress first-hand.

The former Hoops defender believes the 27-year-old could now effectively provide O’Neill with a new signing as Celtic look to respond to their difficult run of form following the international break.

“It’s the old line about it being like having a new signing,” he said via Glasgow Times. “I know that’s a cliché, but it’s true with Jota because he has been out for so long.

“Martin O’Neill never managed to see him at all last season, so he’ll be delighted.

“With a lot of players away during the international break, my son managed to go in and train with some of the first team boys. Jota was alongside them on a few of the days and he spoke really highly of him. He was looking well. It’s really good to see him back.

“It’s been a tough time for Celtic fans in the last few weeks but the sight of him back on the pitch will get them smiling.

“He could be an important player for Celtic. It’s something they probably need in the forward area.

“Listen, there are issues all over the pitch for Martin right now, but the wide area is definitely an area that could do with some help. If Jota can get up to a level of fitness, it would be massive. People are going to have to be patient with him though. You don’t just breeze back in after 18 months out.

“He’ll need to take his time to build up.”