Celtic issue injury update on 3 players as Martin O'Neill purrs over friendly

Celtic expect to have three first-team players back to full fitness soon - including long-term injury victim Jota.

Manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Jota played in a bounce game against Falkirk during this international break and that he can’t wait to have the Portuguese winger back in the squad.

Jota was last seen in action in March last year, where he picked up a serious ACL injury against Dundee United at Tannadice. However, he is now closing in being ready for selection in a big boost for O’Neill.

Jota, right, played for Celtic in a friendly against Falkirk. | SNS Group

The Northern Irish coach also gave an update on defender Alistair Johnston and striker Callum Osmand, who have been missing for some weeks with hamstring and ankle issues respectively.

“Jota had 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk last Friday, and that was nice, that was really good,” said O’Neill.

“Alistair Johnson’s on the grass now and young Callum Osmand is doing the same as well, so that’s encouraging.

“The determination is there within the team, which is something hopefully that I can control. It’s there in abundance and I don’t think it ever leaves you.

“A couple of other injuries are a bit further behind but we’re making progress.

“The game against Falkirk was competitive, it was really good, and it was obviously worthwhile, worthwhile for me and John McGlynn too.

“It was nice. But again, the focus is the most important thing and the encouragement now with some of your good players coming back will be great.

“For instance, Jota, I’d have to go back and look at videos of him, they tell me he was terrific before he headed out to Saudi, came back, picked up the injury, so it’s been a long time.

“That will definitely – I know it’s an old cliché – that definitely will feel like a new player coming to the club, as far as I’m concerned anyway.”