NafisaCeltic have been handed a major boost after a long-awaited return finally took place behind closed doors, giving Martin O’Neill something positive to take into the next phase of the season.
The Hoops have endured a difficult spell in recent weeks, with three consecutive defeats against Rangers, Ferencvaros and Rangers again leaving supporters desperate for something to lift the mood around Parkhead.
Now, one of the club’s most popular attacking players has taken a significant step towards returning to first-team football.
It has been a long road back.
Serious injury has kept the player out for almost 18 months, with Celtic carefully managing every stage of his rehabilitation before allowing him to return to action.
But that wait finally came to an end on Friday afternoon.
Jota takes huge step towards Celtic comeback
The long-awaited return involved Jota, who featured for 45 minutes as Celtic defeated Falkirk 2-0 in a behind-closed-doors match at Lennoxtown.
For the Portuguese winger, simply getting back onto the pitch represents a major milestone.
Jota has not played since suffering a serious ACL injury against Dundee United at Tannadice in April 2025.
The injury began an incredibly lengthy period on the sidelines, with the 27-year-old spending much of the intervening months working through his rehabilitation and attempting to regain his fitness.
Celtic have therefore been extremely cautious with his comeback.
His appearance against Falkirk was carefully managed, but the fact that he was able to complete an entire 45-minute half without an apparent setback represents an encouraging development.
The winger is not expected to immediately walk back into competitive action, with further work required to build his fitness and sharpness.
Nevertheless, getting through his first match in almost 18 months is an important moment.
And the timing could hardly be more significant.
Celtic entered the international break following a miserable run of three successive defeats, losing to Rangers in the League Cup before suffering another defeat against Ferencvaros and then falling to Rangers again.
The return of one of their most dangerous attacking players could therefore provide a welcome lift around the squad.
Jota still has plenty of work ahead of him, but the first major hurdle has now been cleared.
Celtic teenager adds another positive
There was another encouraging development during the 2-0 victory.
Academy prospect Lucas Clearie scored both goals for Celtic, continuing what has been an outstanding start to the season for the 17-year-old.
Clearie has already established himself as one of the most productive young players within Celtic’s system, having scored 15 goals in just 13 appearances for the B team this season.
His brace against Falkirk added another reminder of the attacking talent coming through at Lennoxtown.
For O’Neill, it was therefore a useful afternoon despite the game taking place behind closed doors.
The biggest story, however, was undoubtedly Jota’s return.
After months of rehabilitation and uncertainty, the winger has finally taken his first meaningful step towards competitive football again.
And while Celtic will not want to rush the process, his successful 45-minute outing gives everyone connected with the club a reason for optimism.
Wilfried Nancy looking for European return
Away from Jota’s comeback, another former Celtic figure is also looking towards his next chapter.
Former Hoops boss Wilfried Nancy is reportedly attracting interest from MLS clubs as he continues to search for his next managerial opportunity.
Nancy’s Celtic spell ended almost as quickly as it began.
The Frenchman arrived from Columbus Crew with a strong reputation in North America, but his attempt to immediately change Celtic’s style produced a disastrous run of results.
Celtic lost each of Nancy’s first four matches, an unprecedented start for a manager in the club’s history.
Back-to-back defeats against Motherwell and Rangers over the New Year period ultimately brought the brief reign to an end.
Nancy and sporting director Paul Tisdale departed after just 33 days.
According to The Athletic, Nancy has since rejected approaches from several MLS clubs because he remains keen to secure another opportunity in European football.
However, with Nancy and his family now living back in the United States, a return to MLS remains possible.
LAFC could provide an opportunity following the departure of Marc Dos Santos.
The 49-year-old has also attracted interest in France and reportedly held talks with Lorient, Nice and Strasbourg during the summer, although all three clubs ultimately chose different directions.
Nancy’s reputation remains strong in MLS following his successful spell with Columbus Crew, where he won domestic and continental honours and was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2024.
For Celtic supporters, though, the much more immediate storyline is happening on the pitch.
Jota has finally returned to action.
After almost 18 months away, the Portuguese winger has completed his first 45 minutes of football and emerged without an apparent setback.
There is still a long way to go before he is ready for a competitive Celtic comeback.
But after such a lengthy wait, the first step has finally been taken.
Nafisa
