Martin O'Neill issues update on Jota's timeline to start Celtic games

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has provided an update on Jota's bid to reach full fitness after a hugely impressive cameo on Wednesday night.

The Bhoys were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Dundee United at Parkhead on Wednesday night, giving up a lead to fall behind within the first half and then going on to score an equaliser through Liam Scales in the second.

At half-time, O'Neill brought Jota off the bench, replacing Kasper Hogh, with Camilo Durán moving centrally and Jota playing in his usual left-wing spot.

The Portuguese star looked the sharpest he has been since returning from the knee injury that caused him to miss around 18 months of action, and Celtic fans got an exciting glimpse of a front line that included Jota, Haissem Hassan and Camilo Durán.

That excitement has many wondering when Jota will be cleared to play a full game as the club continue to carefully manage his minutes to avoid any further setbacks. But O'Neill admits that is not close, with Jota already having returned earlier than expected.

"Well, I think that's a little off at the moment. Yeah, a little off," he said after the game.

That will disappoint fans to a point, but given what Jota has been through with his injury, no one wants to see him being put at risk. Patience is the name of the game, and Celtic will hope to get Yang Hyun-jun back from injury over the next couple of weeks to help supplement that left side even further.

Callum Osmand has been starting there and doing a good job, but like Jota, he is also having his minutes managed currently. Yang picked up a hamstring injury at the Asian Games and Celtic want to be careful with him to make sure he doesn't suffer a setback while they have other wingers available on that side.

Sebastian Tounekti is also an option, but he has struggled to convince with the opportunities he has had this season.

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