Jota makes long-awaited Celtic return in behind-closed-doors victory

Jota has taken a significant step towards his long-awaited Celtic comeback after returning to action in a behind-closed-doors victory over Falkirk.

The Portuguese winger played 45 minutes as Martin O’Neill’s side recorded a 2-0 bounce-match win at Lennoxtown on Friday afternoon.

Crucially, Jota is understood to have come through his first appearance in almost 18 months unscathed as Celtic carefully manage his return from a serious knee injury.

The 27-year-old has not played since rupturing his ACL against Dundee United at Tannadice in April 2025, having spent much of the intervening period undergoing rehabilitation.

He was finally given the green light to feature against Falkirk as part of a carefully managed return to competitive action and completing a full half represents a major milestone in his recovery.

His return could hardly be better timed for the Hoops. Celtic went into the international break on the back of successive defeats to Rangers, Ferencvaros and Rangers again.

While Jota will still need to build up his fitness before being considered for competitive action, getting through 45 minutes without an apparent setback is an encouraging first step.

There was another positive for Celtic in the shape of academy prospect Lucas Clearie, who scored both goals in the 2-0 victory.

The 17-year-old continued his outstanding form after netting 15 times in just 13 appearances for the B team so far this season.