GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Celtic manager Martin O'Neill (L) during a Premier Sports Cup Quarter-Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on September 13, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Martin O’Neill has described Jota’s 45 minute appearance against Falkirk as ‘really good’.
Sixteen days after announcing that he would be self reflecting the Irishman gave an interview to Celtic TV.
It seems that all is well and good with O’Neill who is revived and refreshed by a short break and family time.
An 11 day run of fixtures against Motherwell, Benfica, Hearts and Celta Vigo will quickly confirm whether O’Neill’s squad is in a similar position.
After three defeats on the bounce, including two at home a lot of questions are being asked of O’Neill, his players and coaching staff.
Jota’s appearance against Falkirk has been the only sign of good news during the international break.
Other media sources reported on Friday that the former Benfica man had played in a 2-0 win.
https://youtu.be/YE0a5-A58Kg
Four days after the Falkirk match O’Neill told Celtic TV:
8 minutes 20 seconds:
Jota had 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk last Friday, and that was really good. I know it’s a cliched phrase, but that will definitely feel like a new player coming to the club, as far as I’m concerned.
That was all that he said on Jota.
You have to assume that there was no adverse reaction to his first real action in 18 months.
Jota’s next appearance will be eagerly awaited. With no Reserve League available Celtic will have to arrange further close doors matches for the winger.
Celtic have nine matches between October 11 and November 8 when the next batch of international matches begin.
Hopefully Jota can get some first team minutes in over those fixtures then be close to full match fitness going into the December matches.Covering other injured players O’Neill added:
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.We have to come roaring back and really go for it, and that’s what we’re going to do.
Most of the international players should be returning to Scotland today and tomorrow.
From Fir Park on Sunday the focus is fully on the players and management- ending the run of results that has raised concerns about the direction the season is moving in.
On Friday O’Neill will hold his first media conference since his self reflection comments on September 20.
